Water Conservation Restrictions

Stage 1 Mandatory Water Conservation Effective Monday, June 3, 2013 

Beginning June 3, 2013, the City of Watauga is joining other Tarrant County communities in implementing Stage 1 of the Drought Contingency Plan at the request of the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD). Stage 1’s focus is to reduce outdoor watering, which can account for more than 50 percent of the daily residential water used during the summer. Stage 1 limits outdoor watering to no more than twice per week based on address: 

  • Monday - No irrigation is allowed 
  • Tuesday & Friday - Businesses, apartments, parks, medians and other common areas may water 
  • Wednesday & Saturday - Residential addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 may water 
  • Thursday & Sunday - Residential addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 may water 
  • No irrigation may occur between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day 

Property owners are also required to properly maintain their sprinkler systems and make sure they are not wasting water because sprinkler heads are broken, leaking or spraying in the wrong direction. 

Additional Stage 1 Restrictions 

Include, no hosing of driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc. The washing of vehicles in driveways may only be done with a hand-held bucket or hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle for quick rinses. Foundations may be watered up to two hours on any day using a hand-held hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation system placed within 24-inches of the foundation that does not produce a spray of water on the ground. 

While we have received some rainfall recently, moderate to severe drought conditions persist throughout North Texas and TRWD’s storage capacity is hovering at about 75%. TRWD’s storage capacity is based on water levels in four reservoirs: Lake Bridgeport, Eagle Mountain Lake, Cedar Creek and Richland-Chambers Reservoirs. These reservoirs supply water for approximately 1.8 million people in 11 North Texas counties.

Questions regarding water conservation or the City's Drought Contingency Plan may be directed to the Public Works Department at 817.514.5843. 

The cooperation and support of all water customers is critical to preserving our water supply and minimizing future water shortages. Violations could result in citations and fines of up to $2,000. 

No Watering Between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Unless by Hand, Soaker Hose, or Drip Irrigation.

Except for hand watering, the use of a drip irrigation system, and/or the use of soaker hoses, a person commits an offense if a person irrigates, waters, causes or permits the irrigation or watering of any lawn or landscape located on premises owned, leased or managed by that person between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 

Prevent Water Runoff 

Position sprinklers to avoid water runoff. Do not allow substantial amounts of water to fall on impervious areas instead of a lawn or landscape, such that a constant stream overflows to the street or other drainage area. When cleaning your driveway, patio or deck, use a broom instead of a water hose. While washing the car or truck, use a sponge and bucket. Place a nozzle on the hose to stop the flow of water between rinsing. 

Properly Maintain Sprinklers 

All water customers are required to properly set and maintain sprinklers in a manner that prevents the waste of water. Inspect sprinkler heads regularly to make sure none are missing, broken, leaking, clogged, pushed too far into the ground or spraying in the wrong direction. 

Rain and Freeze Sensors Required on New Irrigation Systems 

The use of irrigation systems or other lawn or landscape watering devices during any form of precipitation is prohibited. Rain and freeze sensors are required on all new irrigation systems. The use of rain and freeze sensors will prevent over-watering and costly water line breaks. Beginning September 1, 2006, all new single-family irrigation systems and new agricultural irrigation systems must be installed with rain and freeze sensors. The city has required rain and freeze sensors on other irrigation systems since October 1999.

Violation

First violation

The City of Watauga will educate the resident or business on the need for water conservation and may issue a warning as provided in the Watauga Code of Ordinances. 

Additional violations

Citations shall be issued with possible fines from $250 to $2,000, and the possibility of water restricting devices installed to reduce the flow of water to the violator. 

Ask a Question

Questions may be directed to the Watauga Public Works Department at 817.514.5843. Additional mandatory water conservation measures may be put in place in the future in the event of a persistent drought.