Conway Corp. announced it will suspend all outdoor watering starting Monday, Oct. 5, as part of escalating measures in its emergency water curtailment plan. The utility’s move arrives amid persistent drought conditions affecting the region, prompting a shift from the Phase 3 watering schedule that had permitted one day per week of irrigation.
Residents and businesses served by Conway Corp. are now asked to immediately stop watering lawns and landscapes, with the only exception being hand watering of individual plants. The utility emphasized the importance of disabling all automatic sprinkler systems to comply with the new restrictions until further notice. According to the company’s official news release issued Tuesday, this suspension replaces the previous Phase 3 schedule initiated Aug. 19.
These restrictions form part of ongoing efforts to conserve the water supply as drought conditions remain unchanged. Conway Corp. first implemented Phase 3 due to low reservoir levels and increased demand during hotter months, which strained the system. By suspending outdoor watering entirely, the utility aims to safeguard essential water reserves for indoor and critical uses throughout the coming months.
Alongside suspending outdoor watering, all other Phase 3 measures remain in effect. This includes limitations on hydrant use—for instance, restrictions on filling swimming pools or washing vehicles with water drawn from fire hydrants continue unchanged. The utility encourages customers to adhere closely to these guidelines to help ensure that water systems remain sustainable and reliable for the entire community.
The suspension affects a broad population segment, from individual homeowners tending their lawns to businesses maintaining outdoor landscaping. Families planning weekend activities involving outdoor water features or garden care will need to adjust accordingly—delaying watering or finding alternative ways to keep plants hydrated without overtaxing the water supply. Hand watering, such as using a watering can or hose without a sprinkler, is still permitted for selective, limited plant care but generally discouraged to conserve further.
Conway Corp. has been communicating with customers throughout the summer months about water conservation needs, issuing reminders and updates to encourage voluntary reductions in outdoor water use. Despite these efforts, persistent drought conditions and increased water demand have necessitated this tighter restriction.
For parents looking ahead to the weekend, this means any plans involving sprinklers or lawn irrigation will need to be put on hold. Instead, it’s a chance for families to focus on indoor activities or explore local parks that maintain their greenery through alternative water sources. Public awareness of these restrictions also extends to community gardens and schools that rely on irrigation for outdoor spaces.
Experts at Conway Corp. explain that water conservation remains critical during the fall season, especially as the region approaches cooler weather patterns that can reduce water demand but do not immediately restore reservoir levels. Prolonged drought and below-average rainfall earlier this year have contributed to reduced water availability.
Customers can monitor updates on the Conway Corp. website or social media channels for any adjustments to restrictions as conditions evolve. The utility also advises residents to report any water waste or violations of the watering ban, which helps protect the community’s shared resource.
This step to suspend outdoor watering, while inconvenient for some, underscores the balance between daily life and essential resource stewardship. As drought forces communities across Northwest Arkansas to adjust, Conway Corp.’s actions serve as a reminder of the fragility of local water supplies during dry spells.
Families looking for activities not impacted by the water restrictions can explore regional outdoor spaces like Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, which recently opened an e-mountain bike paradise, or take advantage of seasonal events that don’t depend on irrigation. These options offer ways to savor NWA’s natural beauty while abiding by the water curtailment.
Conway Corp. expects the outdoor watering suspension to remain until drought conditions improve and reservoir levels stabilize. Officials urge residents to continue conserving water inside the home, fixing leaks promptly, and using water-efficient appliances whenever possible to help mitigate the impact.
As NWA residents adapt to these water-saving measures, cooperation will shape how effectively the community weathers this prolonged dry period. The suspension of outdoor watering is a vital step in that collective effort to protect one of the region’s most precious resources.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
