WATER CONSERVATION ORDINANCE

The guidelines in the Water Conservation Ordinance are intended to conserve water and extend the life of existing infrastructure by minimizing the stress on the system caused by the peak demand of summer water usage. By using water wisely, we can help delay infrastructure expansion (primarily water treatment facilities and delivery systems) and the need for additional water resources (buying additional water rights to existing reservoirs or building new reservoirs). Outdoor water usage can be more than 50% of our total summer water use. By controlling this use we can minimize its impact on our current infrastructure and future expansion.

The Conservation Ordinance Outdoor Watering Guidelines

• Hand water or use a soaker hose. Both are permitted at any time.
• Maintain your sprinkler system. Repair any broken, missing or misdirected sprinkler heads.
• Automatic sprinkler system owners are required to have rain and freeze sensors installed.
• Monitor your total water usage. If you use more than 15,000 gallons a month, you'll now pay a surcharge on the
  amount above 15,000.
• Don't water during any form of precipitation.
• Don't allow your sprinkler system to water driveways, sidewalks and streets.
• Don't waste water by allowing runoff onto a street or other drainage area when you're watering.
• Don't water your yard between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. between April 1 and October 31.

Violations of these outdoor water guidelines can result in fines of $250 to $2,000 per incident. First offenses will be issued a warning.

Please be aware that all automatic sprinkler systems were required to be equipped with a rain and freeze sensor as of January 1, 2005.

Resources for Bringing Your Sprinkler System Up to Code

• Approved Rain and Freeze Sensor List
• Where to Buy a Rain and Freeze Sensor
• For a list of licensed irrigators, visit the Dallas Irrigation Association website or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality licensed individuals search page.