KWES NewsWest 9 / Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, TX: newswest9.com | City of Odessa Looking at Tougher Watering Restrictions

The decision to drastically cut back on our water doesn't come as much of a surprise to the City of Odessa says they have been preparing for the worst. In the past couple of weeks, they have been nailing down a plan.

"Right now, the city is considering reducing outdoor watering landscape watering to two hours a week. This is primarily to focus on saving our trees in the community," Goodson said.

For those who may have had plans of adding a pool or a new lawn to their house, think again as that might all change with the new restrictions.

"Establishment of new lawns is very discouraged at this time. It appears at this point in time that permits for pools will not be issued either. It's still unknown if we are going to allow them to fill it up and top it off in the summer or if they are just going to be completely done away with this," Goodson said.

But what people just don't seem to quite understand is the severity of the drought. Even with the restrictions we have now, people are having a hard time following those.

"Code enforcement officers are out working almost 24 hours a day. They're doing their best, we have issued close to 100 citations in just this past week alone," Goodson said.

With tougher restrictions on the way, local nurseries are preparing and bringing in desert-type plants.

"We are doing everything possible and we are also learning how to manage our water better. We have seen an increase in people buying more dessert like plants," Omero Galindo, owner of Sandy's Nursery, said.

The cities of Big Spring and Midland are still trying to work on a plan on how they will reduce their water.