Water Conservation & Guidelines

Water Smart PlanoThe City of Plano is committed to conserving and protecting our water supply in a cooperative effort with our citizens and other North Texas Municipal Water District member cities through education and enforcement that contributes to the overall quality of life.

Because we purchase our water, we must be good stewards of this resource. The City implemented a Water Management Plan in 2009 (updated in 2019) with the intent to provide a year-round water efficiency plan with measures designed for long-term water savings. This plan aims to reduce loss and waste of water and improve efficiency to extend the life of current water supplies. Our Drought and Emergency Response Plan is only implemented to immediately reduce demand when water supply shortages occur.

In the summer, we often see a large spike in water use due to outdoor watering. Research has shown that with normal rainfall in Texas, lawns thrive in no more than twice a week watering in spring/summer and once per week in fall/winter. Therefore, our Water Management Plan limits irrigation with sprinklers to no more than twice a week from April through October and once a week November through March. Water conservation is a priority for our region.

Spring/Summer Watering Guidelines
April 1 - Oct. 31

Plano residents and businesses are asked to only water a maximum of twice per week from April 1-Oct. 31.

  • Only water when needed. You may not need to water if rain is in the forecast. Subscribe to WaterMyYard.org for weekly watering recommendations.
  • Watering with sprinklers is prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., as these are the hottest hours of the day.
  • Foundations and landscaping, including grass, shrubs and trees, may be watered for up to 2 hours any day by hand-held hose or soaker hose.
  • Low-flow drip irrigation systems may operate as needed.
  • Excessive water runoff and watering during rain is prohibited.
  • A variance may be requested to water new landscapes for up to 30 days. Instructions are available at plano.gov/variances. Variances are not required for filling pools.

Visit plano.gov/outdoorwateruse for more ways to save water outdoors.

*As HOA watering involves watering of their common areas and in many cases the City of Plano right of way (which has no address), all HOA watering and addresses ending in zero follow an EVEN address watering schedule.

Printable Guidelines

image of spring and summer watering guidelines 2020