Restrictions
All Watauga water customers are expected to comply with the following mandatory year-round water conservation measures:
Compliance
First violation: The City of Watauga will educate the resident or business on the need for water conservation and may issue a warning as provided in Chapter 1; Section 1.110 of the Watauga Code of Ordinances.

Additional violations: Citations shall be issued with possible fines from $250 to $2,000, and the possibility of water restricting devices installed to reduce the flow of water to the violator.

No Watering Between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Unless by Hand, Soaker Hose, or Drip Irrigation
Except for hand watering, the use of a drip irrigation system, and/or the use of soaker hoses, a person commits an offense if a person irrigates, waters, causes or permits the irrigation or watering of any lawn or landscape located on premises owned, leased or managed by that person between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Prevent Water Runoff
Position sprinklers to avoid water runoff. Do not allow substantial amounts of water to fall on impervious areas instead of a lawn or landscape, such that a constant stream overflows to the street or other drainage area.  When cleaning your driveway, patio or deck, use a broom instead of a water hose. While washing the car or truck, use a sponge and bucket. Place a nozzle on the hose to stop the flow of water between rinsing.
Properly Maintain Sprinklers
All water customers are required to properly set and maintain sprinklers in a manner that prevents the waste of water. Inspect sprinkler heads regularly to make sure none are missing, broken, leaking, clogged, pushed too far into the ground or spraying in the wrong direction.

Rain and Freeze Sensors Required on New Irrigation Systems
The use of irrigation systems or other lawn or landscape watering devices during any form of precipitation is prohibited. Rain and freeze sensors are required on all new irrigation systems. The use of rain and freeze sensors will prevent over-watering and costly water line breaks. Beginning September 1, 2006, all new single-family irrigation systems and new agricultural irrigation systems must be installed with rain and freeze sensors. The city has required rain and freeze sensors on other irrigation systems since October 1999.

Recommended Watering Frequencies
The Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service recommends different lawn watering frequencies for each season. 

• Fall: 1" every 10 to 15 days
• Spring: 1" every 10 to 15 days
• Winter:1" every 15 to 20 days
• Summer: 1" every 5 to 7 days

Ask a Question
Questions may be directed to the Watauga Public Works Department at 817.514.5851. Additional mandatory water conservation measures may be put in place in the future in the event of a persistent drought.