Water – we can’t live without it and it is too precious to waste. The City of Commerce has implemented Stage 1 of our Drought Contingency Plan. This is the first of three stages that consist of (1) Mild Drought, (2) Moderate Drought and (3) Severe Drought. Stage 1 is a voluntary reduction on the use of water.  Because of our responsibility to you, we are requesting that you help us by cutting down on your water usage where you can until the water levels return to a safe elevation. Lake Tawakoni provides Commerce and the surrounding areas with the main source of water and because of lack of rain is 4.5 feet below the normal level.  If the lack of rain continues, we could move to Stage 2 of the Drought Contingency Plan within the next two weeks. Try to do one thing each day to save water. Every drop counts, and every person can make a difference. Check every faucet in your home for leaks. Just a slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it, and you can save almost 6, 000 gallons a year. Remember to use the amount of water that you actually need. Encourage your family members to keep looking for ways to conserve water in and around your home. If the city has to move into Stage 2, we will contact the Commerce Journal and KETR for publication and information will appear on the city’s website at www.commercetx.org and on your water bill. For more information, contact City Hall at 903/886-1100.