Anyone caught watering outside the allowed times is at risk of receiving a noncompliance charge for the violation.
As we near the third month of Stage 2 watering rules and continue the descent into the depths of our South Texas summer, it’s a good idea to refresh our memories on what stage 2 entails.
Watering with a sprinkler, in-ground irrigation system, and soaker hose is allowed one day a week from 5-10 a.m. and 9-12 p.m. Your watering day is determined by the last digit of your street address.
0-1 Monday
2-3 Tuesday
4-5 Wednesday
6-7 Thursday
8-9 Friday
If the site does not have a visible street address or is part of a contiguous, readily identifiable set of structures, then the watering day is Wednesday.
You can water any day and time with a hand-held hose. Drip irrigation or watering with a bucket is allowed Monday and Friday, but only between 5-10 a.m. and 9-12 p.m.
Weekend watering
During all drought stages, absolutely no watering with a sprinkler, in-ground irrigation system, or soaker hose is allowed on Saturday and Sunday. This ensures a modest regeneration of the Edwards Aquifer.
Vehicles may be washed at home on Saturday and Sunday without any run-off in the street. Using a bucket and positive shut off on the hose is strongly recommended.
Water waste
Over-spray or run-off on to streets, curbs, pavement, or parking lots or water leaks from service lines and irrigation are considered water waste. Report all water waste here.
Other requirements:
- Charity car washes must be held at commercial car washes.
- SAWS-certified car washes may run any day.
- Commercial fountains and water features require a variance.
- Golf courses, athletic fields, and parks must submit a conservation plan.
SAWS personnel and off-duty peace officers are patrolling neighborhoods — both open and gated — identifying and citing those violating watering rules.
