Repairs to a break in a 36-inch raw water line in Lake Travis are set to begin soon and ahead of the planned work, both Leander and Cedar Park have implemented new watering restrictions.  The break, which was found in August by underwater dive teams with the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority, is leaking more than 2-million gallons per day.

For Leander, Phase 4 restrictions are now in effect,

“Leander water customers should turn off irrigation systems completely and limit other nonessential uses until further notice. Hand-held watering is also prohibited,” the city says on its website.

Officials with the City of Leander will monitor overall water demand each day in an effort to reduce citywide use to no more than 9 million gallons per day prior to and during the BCRUA pipeline repair.

As of Monday, the City of Leander has also taken the following actions:

In Cedar Park, only handheld hose watering with a water shutoff sprayer is allowed.  All irrigation system and hose-end sprinkler use is now prohibited. 

“We promised you updates, and unfortunately the leak in the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) underwater intake line has grown significantly,” the city says. ” We must lessen the strain on the system by reducing water usage now.  We still anticipate the repair being complete by October 4.  We truly apologize for any inconvenience, and we will keep you posted with updates as they become available.  Thank you for your cooperation.”

The Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority serves as Cedar Park’s secondary water treatment plant, providing approximately 20 percent of Cedar Park’s total daily water use.

Repairs are expected to take place between September 21 and October 4.