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Jul 25, 2023

Houston Imposes Strict Water Use Restrictions Due to Drought

ByUvie BikomoAugust 28, 2023 The new water restrictions include designated times of day for lawn watering. Image: PEPPERSMINT/Shutterstock.com As Houstonians grapple with the ongoing drought, the city

ByUvie BikomoAugust 28, 2023

The new water restrictions include designated times of day for lawn watering.

Image: PEPPERSMINT/Shutterstock.com

As Houstonians grapple with the ongoing drought, the city has taken steps to mitigate this pressing crisis and entered Stage Two of its drought contingency plan on August 27. The development was spurred by the unrelenting heat coupled with a decrease in annual rainfall rates. These weather challenges have resulted in a surge of water consumption, a heightened risk of water leaks, and brown, crispy lawns.

The Stage Two phase of the plan imposes mandatory citywide water use restrictions that, if not followed, will cost you. The city is sending a clear message: conservation is no longer a choice, but an imperative to avoid water shortages and other issues.

Houston Public Works now requires residents to limit outdoor watering to twice a week. This is confined to specific hours, strictly between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Watering is also split based on street address: single-family homes with even-numbered addresses are assigned to Sundays and Thursdays, odd-numbered ones to Saturdays and Wednesdays, and all other customers are designated to Tuesdays and Fridays.

Engaging in any form of outdoor water use that leads to city water flowing beyond the confines of the customer’s property, whether it drains into neighboring properties, public or private roadways, streets, or gutters, is explicitly deemed unlawful under the Stage Two water use restrictions.

Those who violate the watering times or contribute to water runoff as per the ordinance will be penalized. First-time violators will receive a written warning with each subsequent infraction resulting in a $2,000 fine.

The city is also placing an emphasis on preventing water waste. As residents adapt to the new regulations, Houston Public Works has offered a series of practical water-saving tips to minimize consumption and promote responsible usage. These guidelines include a call to promptly address and repair any water leaks to curb unnecessary loss, take shorter showers, and avoid leaving water on when not in use. Washing sidewalks, patios, or cars is also discouraged. If your vehicle really needs a rinse, opt for a commercial car wash, many of which use recycled water.

More information on the restrictions and water-saving tips can be found on the Houston Public Works website.