Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville is issuing an immediate call to action to our Brownsville community. Residents, educational institutions, nonprofits, and businesses within the City are strongly encouraged to proactively follow stringent water conservation practices. This urgent call to action comes inresponse to a prolonged period without significant rainfall resulting in drought conditions. Together we can make a difference.
A drought is a prolonged, abnormally dry period where water levels significantly drop due to lack of rainfall.This environmental condition severely impacts communities, affecting not only the availability of potable water, but also the health of local ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and the overall economy. In urban settings, drought conditions strain water supplies necessary for residents, businesses, and public services, leading to increased conservation measures to ensure sustainable water use.
“The severity of the current conditions cannot be overstated, and it is imperative that we come together as a community to navigate this matter responsibly and sustainably,” said John Cowen, Jr., Brownsville City Mayor. “It is essential that we all take immediate steps to conserve water in order to safeguard this precious resource for our community.”
“It’s important for businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and residents to come together as ONECity and adjust our daily routine so that we collectively mitigate the effects of our drought conditions,” said Helen Ramirez, AICP, Brownsville City Manager. “Let us show the strength and resilience of our community by coming together to conserve water. Our Community’s understanding, and proactive engagement, is appreciated.”
Impact on the Community
To mitigate the effects of a drought, the City urges residents to follow the water restrictions identified in the Brownsville Public Utilities Board’s “Stage 2 Water Shortage Alert” and those identified in “Stage 3 WaterShortage Warning.” Residents can also take direct action by adopting measures such as fixing leaks, reducing shower times, using water-efficient appliances, and refraining from washing cars or watering lawns unnecessarily.
Businesses are also called upon to implement water-saving practices, such as installing low-flow fixtures, recycling water where possible, and reducing operational water use. These steps are crucial for sustaining operations while contributing to the City’s overall water conservation efforts. In addition, Brownsville Public Utilities Board also has specific measures to be taken by businesses to conserve water.
Resource: https://www.brownsville-pub.com/drought-resources/drought-restrictions/
Citywide Water Conservation Efforts
In a decisive move to conserve water, the City has shut off all public water fountains and implemented a watering plan for City parks, including the use of smart irrigation systems, while focusing on minimal water use. These measures are part of a broader strategy to proactively manage the City’s water consumption responsibly during this challenging period.
Understanding Water Shortage Alerts
According to the Brownsville Public Utilities Board’s (BPUB) guidelines, a Stage 2 Water Shortage Alert is declared when water reserves fall below a certain threshold, requiring moderate conservation measures toavoid depleting resources. A Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning indicates a more severe condition,necessitating stringent conservation practices to ensure the availability of water for essential uses.
A Unified Call to Action: ONE CITY
The City of Brownsville, under the current circumstances, is calling on all businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and residents to “Save Water Together.” As we take the ONE City approach, this is a collective opportunity for our entire community to come together as one – to navigate through thedrought effectively and ensure the sustainability of our water system.
For More Information
Residents and businesses seeking more information on water conservation practices and the current drought status are encouraged to visit the Brownsville Public Utilities website.
