City of Houston Enforces Stage Two of Drought Contingency Plan Amid Declining Rainfall and Increased Water System Stress
(HOUSTON) August 23, 2023 – The City of Houston will enforce Stage Two of the City’s Drought Contingency Plan, beginning on August 27, 2023, due to the continued strain on the water system caused by a significant reduction in annual rainfall and higher-than-average daily temperatures. Houston Public Works announced this step, which includes mandatory water conservation measures that apply to the entire City, including groundwater-only supplied systems.
During this period, outdoor water usage will be strictly regulated with scheduled hours:
- Sundays and Thursdays for single-family residential customers with even-numbered street addresses
- Saturdays and Wednesdays for single-family residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses
- Tuesdays and Fridays for all other customers
Violations of these watering times will result in a written warning for a first-time offense, and subsequent violations could incur fines up to $2,000 for each occurrence, as per Section 54.001 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock urged residents to reduce water usage by 10%, stating: “Houston Public Works asks the public to please do your part in helping us reduce citywide water use. Our crews are working diligently in conjunction with area contractors to repair water leaks across the city.”
In addition to following the watering schedule, residents are reminded to continue water conservation efforts, including checking and repairing leaks, ensuring sprinklers are functioning properly, running dishwashers and washing machines only when full, and taking shorter showers.
For further details on the drought contingency plan and