2025 Richardson Water Restrictions

Water is a shared resource in North Texas, and summer heat puts real pressure on supply. Richardson’s 2025 Summer Water Conservation Plan sets clear, citywide rules to reduce waste and keep landscapes healthy. This guide breaks down the designated watering days, prohibited activities, exemptions, enforcement, and practical tips you can use to stay compliant without sacrificing your lawn and garden. You’ll also find simple steps to cut water use, save money, and avoid citations.

Key takeaways:

Sprinkler and irrigation system use is prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31.
Even addresses water Tuesday and Saturday; odd addresses water Wednesday and Sunday.
Hand-held hoses with shutoff nozzles, drip irrigation, and soaker hoses are allowed any day, any time.
Avoid watering during rain, creating runoff, or using poorly maintained systems—these can trigger violations.
Check WaterMyYard for weekly, data-based watering recommendations tailored to Richardson.

The Summer Water Conservation Plan (April 1–Oct. 31)

Designated Watering Days

Richardson uses a twice-per-week schedule for sprinklers and irrigation systems:

Even-numbered addresses: Tuesday and Saturday
Odd-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Sunday

This simple split helps balance demand across the week and supports system pressure during peak season.

Time-of-Day Restrictions

Sprinklers and irrigation systems cannot run between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Why it matters: Midday heat drives evaporation, so watering then wastes water and money while delivering less moisture to roots.

Prohibited Activities

Watering during precipitation: If it’s raining (or has just rained enough to saturate the soil), turn off irrigation. Let the rain do the work.
Creating excessive runoff: Water should soak into your landscape, not flow down the street or into storm drains. Overspray, uneven coverage, or long run times commonly cause runoff.
Using poorly maintained sprinkler systems: Leaks, broken heads, tilted sprayers, and misaligned rotors waste water and cause spotty coverage.

Exemptions You Can Use

Not all watering methods are restricted to two days per week. The city allows these any day, any time:

Hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle
Drip irrigation
Soaker hoses

Other allowed uses under the plan include:

Foundation protection using drip, soaker hoses, or hand-watering with a shutoff nozzle
Public athletic fields and golf courses watering as needed
Ornamental fountains operating as usual
Non-commercial car washing with a hose nozzle that automatically shuts off
Filling new pools and refilling pools as needed (follow proper draining procedures if you need to empty a pool)
Smart/ET irrigation systems operating as needed with an approved variance (they must still follow other plan provisions)

Enforcement and Penalties

Inspectors respond to complaints and observed violations.
First citation: You can resolve it by paying a $150 window fine without a court appearance.
Repeat or aggravated offenses may require a court appearance and can result in higher penalties.

Winter Watering Schedule (Nov.–Mar.)

While this guide focuses on summer restrictions, it helps to plan ahead:

In winter, residents can water at any time on their twice-per-week designated days. Running sprinklers overnight during freezing conditions can create icy hazards, so adjust schedules accordingly.

Why These Restrictions Work

North Texas turf and ornamentals can thrive on less water than most systems apply. The goal is efficient root-level watering, not a green sheen on the sidewalk. Restricting watering to cooler hours and limiting days helps:

Cut evaporation and wind drift
Even out demand on the water system
Encourage deeper root growth with less frequent, deeper watering
Reduce runoff, which carries fertilizers and soil into storm drains

Paired with smart maintenance and soil care, these rules can lower your bill and keep plants healthier through heat waves.

How to Keep Your Lawn Healthy and Still Save Water

1) Set Your Controller for Compliance

Program designated days only: Tuesday/Saturday (even addresses) or Wednesday/Sunday (odd addresses).
Schedule early morning cycles ending before 10 a.m. This timing reduces evaporation and disease risk.
Use cycle-and-soak: Instead of one long run, break watering into 2–3 shorter cycles with 30–60 minutes between. This helps clay-heavy North Texas soils absorb water, reducing runoff.

Example for spray zones on St. Augustine or fescue in heavy clay:

8–10 minutes per cycle, repeat 2–3 times
Example for rotor zones on Bermuda:
15–20 minutes per cycle, repeat 2 times

Adjust run times based on real lawn response and WaterMyYard guidance.

2) Calibrate Your Sprinkler System

Match precipitation rate to soil intake: Sprays can apply 1.5–2 inches per hour; clay soils may only absorb about 0.25–0.5 inches per hour. Cycle-and-soak bridges that gap.
Fix inefficiencies:

- Replace broken or clogged heads
- Realign heads to avoid paving and fences
- Install pressure-regulating heads or a master pressure regulator to reduce misting
- Add matched-precipitation nozzles so all heads in a zone apply water evenly

Check coverage with a catch-can test: Place 6–8 straight-sided containers around a zone, run it for 10–15 minutes, and compare the amounts. Adjust nozzles or run times to achieve uniform coverage.

3) Use Drip and Soaker Hoses for Beds and Foundations

Beds: Drip delivers water straight to roots, cutting evaporation and weed growth. Because drip is allowed any day, you can fine-tune watering to plant needs.
Foundation: In expansive clay soils, consistent moisture helps minimize movement. A soaker hose set 12–18 inches from the slab can help. Water slowly to avoid runoff.

4) Mow, Feed, and Improve Soil for Deep Roots

Mowing height: Keep Bermuda around 2–2.5 inches; St. Augustine around 3–4 inches. Taller blades shade soil and reduce evaporation.
Mulch: Maintain 2–3 inches in beds to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Soil amendments: Annual compost topdressing (0.25–0.5 inch) increases organic matter, improves infiltration, and boosts water-holding capacity.
Aeration: Core aerate compacted lawns in late spring or early summer to improve penetration and root growth.

5) Water to Need, Not to Habit

Follow weekly recommendations from WaterMyYard. These are based on Richardson weather, evapotranspiration, and your system type. Many weeks, lawns need less than you think.
Visual cues:

- Footprints linger = mild stress; it’s okay to water next scheduled day.
- Bluish-gray cast and leaf folding = time to water on your allowed day.

Prioritize roots: Deep, infrequent watering promotes resilient turf. Frequent shallow watering promotes thatch and weak roots.

6) Avoid Runoff (and Citations)

Shorten cycle length if water starts to pool or move off the lawn.
Fix grade and edging issues that funnel water to hard surfaces.
Switch heads near driveways and sidewalks to low-angle or strip-pattern nozzles to limit overspray.

7) Integrate Rain and Freeze Protection

Rain sensor: Install a sensor or smart controller to shut off irrigation after measurable rain. Watering during precipitation is prohibited and wastes money.
Freeze sensor: While a winter concern, it’s smart to have sensors year-round so your system never runs during freezing conditions.

8) Choose Plants That Thrive on Less Water

Use drought-tolerant turf varieties and native/adapted plants. They need less supplemental water and handle heat better.
Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning) so each irrigation zone runs only as much as necessary.

9) Maintain Hardscape and Plumbing

Inspect for leaks: A small line leak can waste thousands of gallons per month. Monitor your water bill and meter for unexplained spikes.
Clean filters and flush drip lines at the start of the season.
Seal or direct downspouts to capture roof runoff into beds or rain barrels (where allowed), reducing irrigation demand.

Smart/ET Irrigation Systems: Using Tech the Right Way

If you have a smart or ET (Evapotranspiration) irrigation system, you’re already a step ahead in water efficiency. These systems use real-time weather data, soil moisture sensors, and forecasting to adjust watering schedules automatically, delivering just the right amount of water at the right time.

Benefits of Smart/ET Systems:

Water Savings: By responding to actual conditions, these systems prevent overwatering and cut down on unnecessary usage.
Convenience: Once set up correctly, you don’t have to manually adjust your schedule every time it rains or the weather changes.
Healthier Plants: Because watering matches plant needs, turf and landscape health improves, reducing stress and disease risk.

Proper Usage Tips:

Obtain a variance from the city if your system needs to water outside standard days, but always follow other plan requirements.
Set up and periodically test rain/freeze sensors to ensure the system stays off during prohibited conditions.
Review and update system programming at least seasonally for optimal operation.
Check for leaks, clogged emitters, or damaged sensors to maximize efficiency.

Smart controllers are most powerful when used in tandem with good practices: cycle-and-soak watering, responsive maintenance, and strategic plant selection.

Key Practices for Saving Water and Staying Compliant

Richardson’s water restrictions are rooted in long-term sustainability, helping every household contribute to community resilience during dry and hot stretches.

Embracing Water-Saving Technologies

One of the most effective ways to comply with Richardson’s water restrictions while maintaining a healthy landscape is by adopting modern water-saving technologies. Smart irrigation controllers, soil moisture sensors, and high-efficiency sprinkler heads ensure water is delivered precisely where and when it is needed. These tools can drastically reduce water waste, promoting sustainable usage without sacrificing the vibrancy of your lawn or garden.

Landscaping Tips for Water Conservation

Selecting the right plants is another crucial step toward water conservation. Native and drought-tolerant plants are better suited to Richardson’s climate, requiring less water and maintenance overall. Incorporating mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, reduces evaporation, and adds organic nutrients over time. Consider sectioning your yard into hydrozones, grouping plants with similar watering needs together, to streamline irrigation and prevent overwatering.

Community Impact and Long-Term Benefits

By following Richardson’s water restrictions and implementing these water-saving practices, residents are not only protecting their own landscapes but also contributing to the community’s overall sustainability. Reduced water consumption helps preserve local water supplies, mitigates the effects of drought, and supports biodiversity within the ecosystem. Together, these efforts create a resilient, forward-thinking community prepared for the challenges of Texas’ hot and dry conditions.

Conserving water isn’t just compliance—it’s an investment in the future of Richardson and its residents. Taking proactive steps today ensures a healthier, more sustainable environment for generations to come.