Lawn by Season
Year-Round Water Conservation Guidelines - Houston Public Works
Through Permanent

Houston Water Restrictions 2026

Harris · Texas

Published:

Restrictions Active - Year-Round Water Conservation Guidelines - Houston Public Works

2

Days/Week

Before 10:00 a.m.

Allowed Hours

Per Houston Water Conservation Ordinance

Max Fine

Find Your Watering Day

Enter the last digit of your street address:

View full address schedule table
Address EndingWatering Day
ends in odd numberWednesday & Saturday
ends in even numberThursday & Sunday
Want an email when Houston's rules change?
Reset Your Sprinkler Timer
  1. Press and hold the left arrow button for 2 seconds to enter programming mode
  2. Set current day and time first
  3. Set start time to your allowed hour (e.g. 8:00 PM)
  4. Set run time per zone (15–25 minutes for most lawns)
  5. Set watering days to your assigned day ONLY - deselect all others

Allowed Watering Hours

Before 10:00 a.m.After 8:00 p.m.

No watering between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Check houstonpublicworks.org, drought stages may tighten these rules.

Still Allowed

💧 Hand Watering

Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any time with shut-off nozzle.

🌿 Drip Irrigation

Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.

Fines & Enforcement

Per Houston Water Conservation Ordinance

Violations reported to 311 or Houston Public Works.

Citations begin Year-round

🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions

City ordinances apply to all properties.

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

Houston maintains year-round water conservation guidelines. While the Gulf Coast location provides more rainfall than Central and West Texas, Houston Public Works may tighten restrictions during drought periods, check their site for current status.

Rainfall Deficit: Texas drought 2026, check Houston Public Works for current stage.

This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Houston area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Houston Water Restrictions

4 tips tailored for Houston homeowners during Year-Round Water Conservation Guidelines - Houston Public Works restrictions.

Water before 10am on your allowed days

St. Augustine (most common Houston grass) needs 1 inch/week in summer heat

Houston's clay soils need cycle-and-soak, 10 min per zone, wait, repeat

Always check houstonpublicworks.org, restrictions can tighten with drought conditions

Houston Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in Houston?
Your watering day in Houston depends on your street address. Addresses ending in ends in odd number can water on Wednesday and Saturday. Addresses ending in ends in even number can water on Thursday and Sunday. You are limited to 2 days per week during the current Year-Round Water Conservation Guidelines - Houston Public Works restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Houston?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in Houston is only allowed during the following hours: Before 10:00 a.m., After 8:00 p.m.. No watering between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Check houstonpublicworks.org, drought stages may tighten these rules. Watering outside these hours, even on your scheduled day, is a violation and may result in a citation.
What are the fines for water violations in Houston?
Violations reported to 311 or Houston Public Works. The Local and local Harris enforcement officers conduct patrols and respond to complaints. Keep your irrigation timer set to your assigned day and hours to avoid citations.
Can I install new sod or seed in Houston during restrictions?
Check current Houston Public Works guidelines for new lawn variance.
When will water restrictions end in Houston?
The current Year-Round Water Conservation Guidelines - Houston Public Works restrictions in Houston are effective from Year-round through Permanent. However, the restrictions may be extended if drought conditions persist or eased if significant rainfall improves water supply levels. Monitor the Local website for updates.

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