The drought and intense heat of August caused Cedar Creek Lake to drop 2.14 feet as of Aug. 13 so water restrictions are once again in effect in lake communities. The West Cedar Creek Municipal Utility District advised customers on August billing statements dated July 5 to Aug. 5 that the lake was approaching the two-foot low mark, and the Drought Contingency Plan would be implemented at that point. Stage 2 is considered a moderate water shortage condition so the restrictions at this point are not as severe as the area saw last year when the lake dropped eight feet. Watering of landscaped areas with sprinklers or irrigation systems will be regulated based on even and odd days and even and odd house numbers. Residents with even number house numbers can water their yards on even number days from midnight to 10 a.m. Houses with odd numbers can water on odd days from 8 p.m. to midnight. Under Stage 2 restrictions, watering is permitted at any time by hand-held hoses, buckets or drip systems. Washing of motor vehicles, motorbikes, boats and trailers and filling of swimming pools will be allowed based on the even/odd system outlined above. Non-essential uses such as washing sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and other hard-surface areas and buildings and gutters is prohibited at any time. The use of water for dust control is also prohibited. Under Stage 2 restrictions water leaks must be repaired promptly, and there will be a surcharge for $10 per thousand gallons for usage above 10,000 gallons. If the lake level continues dropping as it did last year, more stringent water restrictions will be implemented.