Webster residents are being asked to stop filling pools, running fountains and watering lawns after the city activated Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan on Monday, Aug. 24.
The city's 5-day average water consumption reached 75% of its total water supply, the threshold that triggers Stage 1 under Webster's plan, according to a city notice. Record-setting temperatures above 100 degrees and a significant drop in rainfall drove the spike.
This marks the second time in 2026 that Webster has entered Stage 1. The city lifted a previous activation on May 27.
What residents are asked to do
Stage 1 measures are voluntary. The city is asking residents to:
- Check for leaks, dripping faucets and running toilets
- Use water conservation kits such as displacement bags for toilet tanks and low-flow showerheads
- Minimize or stop non-essential water uses
The city's drought notice lists specific uses residents should discontinue:
- Filling or refilling swimming pools and Jacuzzi-type pools
- Operating fountains or ponds for decorative purposes, except where needed to support aquatic life
- Irrigating parks, athletic fields and golf courses with potable water
- Washing down streets, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots
- Using water from faucets, hydrants or hoses for any purpose other than firefighting
The city said it will also step up its own conservation, including leak detection and repair and limiting watering on city property.
What triggers Stage 2
The city's notice states that if voluntary conservation does not reduce consumption, Webster may initiate Stage 2 of the plan. The notice does not specify the numeric threshold for Stage 2 or detail what mandatory restrictions would look like.
Webster classified Stage 1 as a "Mild Water Shortage." The city said it will post public notice when Stage 1 is lifted but did not set a review date.
