Dallas Water Restrictions 2026
Dallas · Texas
Published:
Year-Round Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 49)
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
Before 10:00 a.m.
Allowed Hours
Verification needed
Check with utility
Check Your Watering Day With Dallas
We have not verified Dallas’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 Dallas’s official water page: Local.
Allowed Watering Hours
No watering 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. from April 1 through October 31 every year. Permanent city ordinance, not a drought emergency.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any time.
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
Per Chapter 49 ordinance
Report violations to 3-1-1 or online. Dallas Water Conservation offers FREE licensed irrigator evaluations.
🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Government properties and parks operate under large-property variance permits.
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
Dallas has operated under a mandatory water conservation ordinance since 2001 (updated 2012). The ordinance permanently restricts lawn watering to two days per week and bans daytime irrigation April through October. Dallas sits in the Blackland Prairie, clay-heavy soils that benefit from infrequent deep watering.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Dallas area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Dallas Water Restrictions
5 tips tailored for Dallas homeowners during Year-Round Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 49) restrictions.
Set timer for before 10am, Dallas clay soils absorb water best in the morning
Cycle-and-soak: clay soils need two 10-min cycles with a 30-min break to prevent runoff
Bermuda and Zoysia (most common Dallas grasses) go dormant but recover fully, don't stress-water
Dallas bans watering 10am–6pm April–October, a violation even on your scheduled day
Get a free irrigation evaluation from Dallas Water Conservation, call 3-1-1
Dallas Water Restriction FAQs
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