Austin Water Restrictions 2026
Travis · Texas
Published:
Stage 2 Drought Restrictions - Austin Water
We have not independently verified this city’s watering schedule. Rules change with drought stage and can be updated at short notice. Confirm your assigned watering days on the Local official page before watering. Following the wrong schedule can result in a municipal fine.
Verification needed
Check with utility
Midnight – 10:00 a.m.
Allowed Hours
Verification needed
Check with utility
Check Your Watering Day With Austin
We have not verified Austin’s current watering schedule against an official source. Watering rules are set by your city and change with drought stage.
Confirm your assigned days on Austin’s official water page: Local.
Allowed Watering Hours
No watering between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Automatic sprinklers: 1 day/week only. Hand-held hose with auto shut-off nozzle: 2 days/week allowed.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day during allowed hours (midnight–10am, 7pm–midnight) with auto shut-off nozzle.
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
$75 first offense
Residential fines start at $75 per violation, increase with each offense. Commercial fines start at $250. Austin Water staff must witness the violation. Reports via 3-1-1 app or online.
🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
All Austin Water customers must follow restrictions including those in the Austin Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). HOA common areas follow commercial schedule.
If your homeowners association sends a violation notice for a dormant or brown lawn during the current restriction period, respond in writing citing the applicable law and include a copy of the Local's current restriction order. Most HOAs will rescind the notice once they are made aware of the legal protections in place. If the issue persists, contact your county’s code enforcement division for assistance.
Why These Restrictions Exist
Austin is under Stage 2 drought restrictions due to declining water levels in Lakes Travis and Buchanan, the city's primary water supply. Stage 2 aims to cut citywide water use by 10–20%. Austin's average annual rainfall is 10% below the Texas average.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Austin area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Austin Water Restrictions
5 tips tailored for Austin homeowners during Stage 2 Drought Restrictions - Austin Water restrictions.
Set timer for midnight, coolest time, lowest evaporation
St. Augustine grass needs 1 inch/week deep watering, Stage 2 once-weekly is actually healthier than shallow daily watering
Apply for a variance before installing new sod, daily watering approved for 30 days
Stage 2 allows hand-held hose 2 days/week, use for trees, shrubs, and stressed patches
Check eligibility for free Austin Water irrigation evaluation via 3-1-1
Austin Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Austin?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Austin?
What are the fines for water violations in Austin?
Can I install new sod or seed in Austin during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Austin?
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