Let’s Review Stage 2 Watering Rules

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Anyone caught watering outside the allowed times will receive a citation.

As we near the third month of Stage 2 watering rules and continue the descent into the depths of our South Texas summer, it’s a good idea to refresh our memories on what stage 2 entails.

Watering with a sprinkler, in-ground irrigation system, and soaker hose is allowed one day a week from 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m. Your watering day is determined by the last digit of your street address.

0-1  Monday

2-3  Tuesday

4-5  Wednesday

6-7  Thursday

8-9  Friday

If the site does not have a visible street address or is part of a contiguous, readily identifiable set of structures, then the watering day is Wednesday.

You can water any day and time with a hand-held hose. Drip irrigation or watering with a bucket is allowed any day, but only between 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m.

Weekend watering

During all drought stages, absolutely no watering with a sprinkler, in-ground irrigation system, or soaker hose is allowed on Saturday and Sunday. This ensures a modest regeneration of the Edwards Aquifer.

Vehicles may be washed at home on Saturday and Sunday without any run-off in the street. Using a bucket and positive shut off on the hose is strongly recommended.

Water waste

Over-spray or run-off on to streets, curbs, pavement, or parking lots or water leaks from service lines and irrigation are considered water waste. Report all water waste here.

Other requirements:

  • Charity car washes must be held at commercial car washes.
  • SAWS-certified car washes may run any day.
  • Commercial fountains and water features require a variance.
  • Golf courses, athletic fields, and parks must submit a conservation plan.

SAWS personnel and off-duty peace officers are patrolling neighborhoods — both open and gated — identifying and citing those violating watering rules.

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