Austin Water Conservation Restrictions for Summer 2017

Matt Sorenson

Summer is now on the horizon. But an abundant water supply doesn’t mean that Austin has water to waste. Mindful of such factors as climate change and an exploding population, city officials have called for Conservation Stage water restrictions. Put into place last May, they will continue to remain in effect indefinitely.

Here’s what this will mean over the coming months:

Residential customers

If you use hose-end sprinklers, you can water lawns and gardens twice per week, between the hours of midnight and 10AM and/or 7PM to midnight. Your days to water are Thursday and Sunday if you have an even address and Wednesday and Saturday if you have an odd one.

You can use an automated irrigation system once per week between the same hours on either a Thursday or a Wednesday, depending on whether you have an even or odd address number.

If you water using drip irrigation, soaker hose or automatic tree bubbler, or use a hand-held hose or refillable container, you can do so on any day of the week at any time of the day. Austin Water Utility also permits pressure washing on areas such as a sidewalk, driveway or deck patio.

Commercial customers

If you own commercial property, you can water using hose-end sprinklers or automatic units just one time per week, between midnight and 10AM and/or 7PM to midnight. Austin Water Utility (AWU) has designated Tuesday as watering day for even-numbered addresses and Friday for odd-numbered ones.

All Austinites

Water waste is prohibited if it results from:
1. failure to fix leaks
2. using broken or misaligned sprinkler heads
3. letting water run for more than 50 feet or pond to a depth greater than ¼ inch on the street or other impervious surface

Washing a vehicle is fine, so long as you do it using an auto shut-off hose or bucket. Holding a charity carwash is fine. But you can only do so at a commercial carwash, the equipment of which must meet all efficiency standards. Any fountains you own must recirculate water. And if you use misters on your commercial property, you can only use them between the hours of 4PM and 12AM.

South Austin Irrigation is dedicated to preserving our most precious natural resource. Whether you need repairs for an existing irrigation system or an entirely new one for your residential or commercial property, we have what you are looking for. Contact South Austin Irrigation at (512) 534-7449 for sales and service more Austinites trust.