Austin Water Restrictions

Current Austin Water Restrictions: CONSERVATION STAGE

Austin Water is currently in Conservation Stage*. Remember to adjust your automatic sprinklers or manual watering times based on your address. Failure to follow the water restrictions may result in enforcement action, including fines of up to $500 per violation. Report violations by calling 3-1-1 or by submitting a report online.

*In limited situations, Austin Water may be able to grant a variance from the watering schedule.

CONSERVATION STAGE

  • Water only on your assigned day(s) and times:
    • Residential
      • Hose-end Sprinklers
        • two days per week – midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight
      • Automatic Irrigation*
        • one day per week – midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight
    • Commercial / Multi-family / Public Schools
      • Hose-end Sprinklers or Automatic Irrigation*
        • one day per week – midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight
  • Washing vehicles at home is permitted with an auto shut-off hose or bucket
  • Charity car washes are only allowed at a commercial carwash
  • Fountains must recirculate water
  • Restaurants may not serve water unless requested by a customer
  • Commercial properties (including restaurants and bars) may only operate patio misters between 4 p.m. and midnight
  • Wasting water is prohibited

*Make sure your sprinkler system has a working rain sensor or run it manually when rain is forecasted. Residential customers who use an automatic irrigation system one day a week may also water a second day with a hose-end sprinkler.

CONSERVATION STAGE WATER EXEMPTIONS

The following are allowed at any time on any day of the week:

  • Watering with drip irrigation, a hand-held hose or a refillable container
  • Watering trees with a Treegator®, soaker hose or automatic tree bubbler
  • Watering vegetable gardens with a soaker hose
  • Pressure washing sidewalk/driveway/deck/patio/paved areas/home siding/fence