Austin Water Restrictions
What are the summer water restrictions in Austin? My vegetable garden is getting burnt to a crisp, so I’d like to water every day if possible. Can I really get in trouble if I violate the water schedule?
In order to help conserve our treated drinking water, the city of Austin has adopted a water use management ordinance (Chapter 6-4 of city code). For residential properties, which include single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, watering days are determined by your street address. Odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday. Even-numbered addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday. In either case you are allowed to water before 10am and after 7pm on your designated watering days.
The watering restrictions on residential properties are in place from May 1 to September 30. There are no time-of-day restrictions for hose-end sprinklers during the rest of the year. Check out the city of Austin’s website for more information (www.cityofaustin.org/watercon/summer.htm).
There are exceptions to Austin’s water restrictions. For example, you can water with a hand-held hose or bucket any time of day and any day of the week. In very limited circumstances, a property owner can seek a variance from either the watering-day and/or time-of-
day restrictions.
Violations of the city watering schedule are class C misdemeanors, with each instance punishable by a fine of up to $500. The ordinance is enforced. However, the city states that its primary goal is to work with customers to obtain compliance, not to issue fines. The city wants first to educate people about the proper way to water their landscapes and assist them in complying with the ordinance. According to the city, violators are often not even aware of the problem and can make corrections immediately.
This article appears in July 3 • 2009.