Sunnyvale staff proposes odd/even watering schedule to simplify reporting and drought response

Chris Cox, the town's director of public works, presented a proposed revision to the town's watering guidelines to move from a seven‑zone schedule to an odd/even address schedule designed to simplify reporting, balance system demand and prepare for required conservation stages. Cox explained the proposed weekdays: odd addresses would be allowed Mondays and Thursdays; even addresses, Wednesdays and Sundays; commercial accounts, HOAs and businesses, Tuesdays and Fridays; and Saturday would be a no‑watering recovery day for the system.

Cox said the approach is used successfully by nearby North Texas cities and would allow staff to pull consumption reports more easily by address if the town needs to move to a higher conservation stage. Council asked whether the system could handle the change (concerns about a single town water tower and pump capacity) and whether the town would proactively implement the new schedule or hold it in reserve for drought. Cox responded the schedule could be adopted now to improve reporting and said staff were prepared to launch with proper public notice; staff recommended a water‑bill insert and web announcement to reach all residents. Staff indicated the town could proceed next week pending council comfort with public outreach and final scheduling details.