Watering Restrictions in and Around Houston

You may be hot, but you can get into hot water if you use too much water in Houston. With average summertime temperatures in the mid-90s, it’s an absolute must to stick with the city’s water conservation plan. Watering restrictions in and around Houston are in place because drought in Texas is common.  Sticking to the watering rules will help you avoid any sticky situations, later on.

Local lakes and rivers make up Houston’s water supply. Eighty-six percent comes from the Trinity River into Lake Livingston, and the San Jacinto River into lakes Houston and Conroe. The rest comes from deeply-drilled underground wells into the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers. With roughly 2.3 million people living and working in the city, and more on the outskirts, the need for water isn’t exaggerated. Houston’s Public Works Department estimates Harris County’s population will exceed 5.5 million people in the next 30 years.

In the end, Mother Nature decides how much water lakes, rivers, and aqueducts will provide.

Lawn Watering Rules in Houston and Surrounding Areas

In a “normal” summer, water customers can irrigate their lawns between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Homeowners whose addresses end in even numbers can water on Sundays and Thursdays. Addresses ending in odd numbers may water on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Businesses and the like can water the grass on Tuesdays and Fridays.  These watering times differ in severe droughts and shortages.

Consequences

Violating Houston’s drought contingency plan rules during dry periods can cost you! Although there are exceptions for new lawns, violations of Stage Two restrictions can lead to fines ranging from $100 to $2,000. Stage Three violations can cost you $500 at the very least (up to $2,000). Blowing off the rules at Stage Four means a fine starting at a grand or higher – this in addition to surcharges tacked on to your next several water bills. AND … there is the possibility of having your Houston area water service disconnected. The expense, hassle, and inconvenience of wading through the paperwork far outweigh that of sticking to the city’s water conservation plan.

Summertime Lawn Care in Houston

Given the summer heat in the Houston area and the everlasting need to preserve nature’s precious resources, it’s always a good idea to have a basic maintenance plan for your yard.    

The standard of lawn watering is to provide an inch of water once a week, or half an inch twice a week. Rainfall is best, but when it’s not raining, you can set up your sprinkler to run during Houston’s schedule of watering hours.  The best time to water is at 4 a.m. so the soil and roots of the grass can soak it all in before the heat of the day. Too much water and watering during the heat of the day is a waste, and it can lead to disease and grass damage.

Save Water!

You can do your part to save water by:

• Checking for leaks, dripping faucets, and running toilets. Repair them as soon as possible.
• Inspect your property for proper drainage, especially when it allows water to run into streets, gutters, alleys and adjacent areas.
• Water no more than two days a week; stick to the schedule as noted above.

The city and county will put out the word if there are watering restrictions in and around Houston, but think of it this way: When in doubt, prepare for drought.

Have more questions about how Houston’s local watering restrictions affect your lawn and landscape? Please visit our Houston, TX lawn care page for more information.