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1. Why are car washes permitted to continue during this drought/water conservation period?

The City of Killeen has it outlined on www.KilleenTexas.gov/WaterConservation, as well as the Code of Ordinances, that vehicle washing may be done at any time on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash or commercial service station. This is because they conserve year-round.
More than 60% of water at car washes is reused/reclaimed water that filters out all of the sediment and gets reused.
Unlike hand washing your car at home, where almost all the used water is wasted and chemicals end up in your yard or septic system, car washes have a responsibility to conserve water and protect the environment. They follow strict measures under the Environment Protection Agency. Residents who wash their cars at home use much more water than what is used at a car wash.

(Note: A typical restaurant uses 3,000-7,000 gallons/day, versus a car wash that uses 500-2,000 gallons/day)

2. Are there penalties for not adhering to the water restrictions?

Yes, there are penalties and they are all outlined in our Code of Ordinances on our website at www.KilleenTexas.gov/Ordinances. We do hope no one would need to be fined, only warned, though. We appreciate citizens helping identify anyone who may be in violation (including us-- the local/city government)! Citizens can call (254) 501-6319, which is our 24 hour water and sewer hotline and the concern will be addressed. 

3. Will the City provide discounts on our water bill?

No, the City of Killeen is unable to reduce billing costs, BUT when citizens conserve, they get a reward of a not only a better environment, but a much lower water bill and more money in their pockets.

4. Why do we need to conserve?

We appreciate citizens who think about others (today and future generations) and try their best to conserve this precious resource-- water.
 
 -Reducing our water usage reduces energy, which leads to SAVING MONEY and helps to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
 
 -Reducing water usage also keeps our communities safe: Firefighters, hospitals, gas stations, street cleaners, etc. all require large amounts of water to provide services to the community.
 
 -And if we make it a habit to conserve year round, we can appreciate the beautification that water conservation efforts have for our surroundings, like watering lawns, trees, flowers, and vegetable gardens, and filling public fountains at parks, etc.
 
***Please note-- there are penalties for violations, as outlined in our Code of Ordinances (www.KilleenTexas.gov/Ordinances). 

5. How can we conserve?

Here’s how everyone can do their part: 

To reduce your water usage by 10% and help our planet:

 -Only use water for normal use (cooking, washing, etc.) 

-Do not use water for watering landscaped areas with sprinkler systems, washing motor vehicles, and filling swimming pools, unless it is during designated watering periods

-Never use your toilet as a waste basket

-Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth

-Take short showers instead of tub baths

 -If you must bathe in a tub, fill the tub only half full

-Detect and repair all leaks in irrigation systems

-Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal

-Operate the dishwasher only when completely full

 -Use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine