Stanford City Council opened its meeting Thursday by literally praying for rain and then imposed mandatory water restrictions prohibiting most forms of outdoor watering but excluding commercial car washes for the time being.
The board unanimously approved the limitations after Alan DeShon, general manager of the Stanford Water Department, told the council that the city's water supply is severely low because of the continuing drought. The new rules could remain in effect through the fall, depending on the amount of rain the city receives, he said.
"We have a four- or five-month water supply left," in the city's reservoirs, DeShon said.
The restrictions affect anyone who buys water from the Stanford Water Department, DeShon said..
The council voted to wait two weeks before deciding whether to impose the restrictions on commercial car washes.
"It's tough enough running a small business in a small town under the best of circumstances," said Councilman Eddie Carter.
