Houston drops mandatory water restrictions

Houston residents are no longer under mandatory water restrictions, but still encouraged to conserve water.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The city of Houston is lifting the mandatory water conservation measures imposed last summer, but that doesn't mean we're in the clear just yet.

The move follows recent rains and cooler temperatures, which have increased lake levels in all three drinking water reservoirs. As the city continues to experience severe drought conditions, Houston residents are asked to continue voluntary water conservation.

Although pre-drought water reservoir levels have not been reached, the city's storage is no longer at the level for mandatory conservation. Additionally, while water line breaks continue at a higher than normal pace, the stress on the system of last summer has been relieved.

According to the National Weather Service, the Houston area remains in severe to exceptional drought. Coupled with long term predictions, it is clearly possible that Houston may experience an even more challenging summer this year than last.

While surface water storage has recovered to an extent, it is unlikely that the city will have as much storage at start of summer this year as we had last year, leading to a likeliness that conservation measures will need to be reinstated. All water customers are strongly encouraged to practice and further develop water conservation efforts.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Constable Jack Abercia drops out of primary election

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- On the heels of a 13 Undercover investigation into Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Jack Abercia's office, the 20-year incumbent has announced his withdrawal from the primary election.

Lane Lewis, the new chairman of the Harris County Democratic Party, told us late Wednesday afternoon that he received a letter Tuesday morning from Abercia. It stated that Abercia was withdrawing his name from the primary ballot, citing health reasons.

The news comes about two weeks after 13 Undercover broke exclusive details involving Abercia's office. Multiple sources tell 13 Undercover the FBI is investigating possible bribes to Pct. 1 officials. Among those under scrutiny are two of the highest ranking commanders in Pct. 1.

Sources told 13 Undercover that the bribery investigation centers on the hiring of a deputy who'd been turned down by seven other law enforcement agencies.

"With Abercia stepping aside, that opens up a seat that's been held for 20 years by one person. It's a seat that most likely will go to a Democrat, given that the Precinct 1 is a reliable Democratic district," said Mark Jones, chairman of the Rice University Department of Political Science.

Four candidates for are already on the ballot: Cindy Vara-Leija, Quincy Whitaker, Alan Rosen and Grady Castleberry.

The deadline to file was December 19, but officials anticipate it reopening sometime in February because of the court battle over redistricting.

"It does open up the race; however, since Cindy Vara-Leija has already established a campaign and has the support of a lot of Hispanic heavyweights in the city, such as Jessica Ferrara, Mario Gallegos [and] Ed Gonzalez, she's likely to be the odds on favorite to win the Democratic nomination now that Abercia has stepped aside," Jones said.

Abercia has not endorsed anyone at this time.

We attempted to reach Pct. 1 for a comment and are awaiting a response. The democratic primary is April 3.

For months now, 13 Undercover has been investigating constables. The reports have helped to spark three separate investigations by both federal and local authorities.

While the FBI is reportedly looking into bribery allegations at Pct. 1, the Harris County district attorney and the county attorney are both investigating Pct. 6 Constable Victor Trevino and Pct. 7 Constable May Walker. The allegations against Trevino are potential misuse of charity funds, county personnel and county equipment. The Walker investigation centers around the possible misuse of county equipment and personnel, as well as possible illegal fundraising.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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