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Mandatory Water Restrictions In Effect

STAGE TWO: MANDATORY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

The City of Houston entered Stage Two of the City’s Drought Contingency Plan, effective August 27, 2023. Stage Two was triggered due to intense heat combined with a significant drop in annual rainfall. This resulted in greater water use and dried up the soil, leading to an increase in water leaks, which can impact water pressures.

The Stage Two designation of the Drought Contingency Plan applies to the entire City, including systems that are supplied by groundwater only. 

Stage Two drought response imposes the following mandatory water use restrictions: 

  • Limit outdoor watering to twice a week between the hours of 7PM and 5AM with the following schedule:
  • Sundays and Thursdays for single-family residential customers with even-numbered street addresses
  • Saturdays and Wednesdays for single-family residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses
  • Tuesdays and Fridays for all other customers
  • Any outdoor water use that results in city water leaving the customer’s property by drainage onto adjacent properties or public or private roadways or streets or gutters shall be unlawful.

Any water customer who violates these watering times will be issued a written warning for a first-time violation. Any subsequent violations are subject to a fine up to $2,000 for each occurrence of the offense (Section 54.001 of the Texas Local Government Code). 

City of Houston Drought Contingency Plan

City of Houston Stage Two Drought Contingency Plan FAQs

Additional tips to conserve water:

  • Check and repair water leaks, including dripping faucets and running toilets. 
  • Check sprinkler heads to make sure water is not spraying into the street or directly into a storm drain and/or gutters. 
  • Avoid washing sidewalks, patio furniture or cars. If you must wash your car, use a car wash. Most car washes use recycled water. 
  • Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full. 
  • Take shorter showers. 
  • Install a rain barrel and use it for outdoor watering. 
  • Turn off the water when you are not using it (e.g., while brushing teeth, scrubbing hands or shaving). 

For additional water-saving tips, please visit Houston Public Work’s Water Conservation webpage at www.GiveWateraBreak.org  

If you have questions, please contact the Water Programs team at WaterConservation@houstontx.gov