Austin may soon need extreme water restrictions

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A top Austin water official says Central Texas is now mired in the worst drought it has ever experienced, and warned that drastic restrictions on water use may be required next spring.

The Austin American Statesman reported (http://bit.ly/1hpPdVG ) Friday that Austin Water Utility director Greg Meszaros said the current lack of rain is already worse than the epic, decade-long 1950s drought.

Meszaros told the city council that banning all but hand-held outdoor watering may soon be necessary.

He also mentioned possibly creating new and higher customer "drought rates," and even curtailing the use of indoor water.

Lakes Buchanan and Travis, the source of Austin's water, are expected in November or December to drop below 31 percent.

When they do, this will officially be the worst drought on record.

___

Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com