Water levels are good but remember: Fort Worth residents use the most in August

The area's water supply is in good shape heading into the hottest part of the summer, and it's expected to stay that way into the fall.

As of Monday, the combined water supply from seven lakes operated by the Tarrant Regional Water District was at 96 percent capacity and remained that way Tuesday, said Rachel Ickert, the district's Water Resources Engineering director.

"That is very good conditions for this time in the summer," she said.

But, she said, supply is trending downward following a very dry spring. Just a week ago, supply was slightly above 97 percent.

Although forecasts are that it will be hotter and dryer than normal in the upcoming weeks, it's also anticipated rainfall in the fall will be sufficient, she said.

Fort Worth reported that on June 14, residents used its highest amount of water in quite some time — 296.6 million gallons, which was higher than any day in 2017, according to a city report.

Fort Worth residents use the most water in August.

All five Fort Worth drinking water plants are operating and can provide up to 500 million gallons a day, the report said.

The district provides water to more than 70 cities in 11 North Texas counties, serving more than 2.1 million people. Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield and the Trinity River Authority are its largest customers.

While water levels are good, Ickert said it's still important to conserve.

For example, a few years ago Fort Worth adopted twice a week lawn watering year-round and many other communities implemented conservation efforts as well.

"It has made a difference," Ickert said.

In 2014, the district's water supply dwindled to 65 percent and nearly triggered even stricter water restrictions. The next two years saw a lot of precipitation and although 2017 had some long dry spells, rainfall made up for the loss, Ickert said.

This story was originally published June 27, 2018 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Water levels are good but remember: Fort Worth residents use the most in August."