Device exempts Frisco residents from water restrictions

By BRAD WATSON / WFAA-TV - Wednesday, June 6, 2007

FRISCO — Frisco residents can start watering lawns twice a week beginning July 1.

The city council Tuesday night decided those restrictions will apply to everyone, except those homes with a special sign, designating that the home has an ET, or evapotranspiration unit.

The sign lets city inspectors know in case the sprinklers are on during a non-watering day.

Jim and Linda Myckleby headed to the shades of Green Nursery to buy more flowers, confident they can keep them alive with the hot summer ahead.

"We have a new house with new landscape and we really need to keep it alive - there's a whole bunch of money invested in it," said Linda Myckleby.

Their chances are better with Lake Lavon overflowing and Lake Chapman still low but looking better. The City of Frisco eased the watering restrictions in place since June 2006.

But the city wants residents to keep conserving by urging them to install an ET unit to their sprinkler system.

"It only allows watering to occur when the soil really needs it and it will not allow the system to come on after rainfall periods or during freezing temperatures," said Gary Hartwell, the Frisco public works director.

The units receive data by rain gauge and a wireless transmitter in Frisco sending information on temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation.

The ET flips on the sprinklers only when conditions are right and the yard needs water. ... ET units cost from $400 to $1,000 and are already required in new homes.

The city is offering $100 rebate on water bills for existing homes that add an ET unit.

Read more