Year-round outdoor watering requirements

Although two days are allowable, remember you don’t have to water if your landscape doesn’t need it. To find out exactly how much water your yard needs each week, sign up to have the Weekly Watering Advice delivered to you via text or email.

The Weekly Watering Advice is a Tarrant Regional Water District program, supported by Fort Worth Water.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service recommends different lawn watering frequencies for each season. Applying one inch of water is recommended throughout the year, however, the frequency varies by season. Following this schedule will help you water efficiently all year long.

• Winter: Every 15 to 20 days (if any water is needed at all, turn system off and operate manually) 
• Spring: Every 10 to 15 days 
• Summer: Every 5 to 7 days 
• Fall: Every 10 to 15 days

• Rain and freeze sensors are required on all systems installed on or after June 1, 2007. New irrigation system installations, or retrofits of systems to add these sensors, require a city permit obtained by a licensed irrigator or Master Plumber. The work can be performed by the licensed irrigator or Master Plumber or by someone working under their direct supervision. 
• Rain and freeze sensors are required on all commercial irrigation systems. An annual inspection of rain and freeze sensors is required and it can be done in conjunction with the annual backflow inspection.

• Watering for no more than 30 consecutive days to: establish newly-planted hydromulch, grass sod or grass seed with an approved variance. Request an irrigation schedule variance by completing and submitting this form(PDF, 202KB).
• Use of an supplemental or alternative water source, such as a well, water from the Trinity River, reclaimed or reuse water. The alternative source must be registered with the city(PDF, 196KB) , with sufficient proof provided to the water director. If deemed necessary, the source can be inspected by the water director or their designee. Use of the source must also comply with the city’s Backflow and Cross-Connection Control Program and City Code Sections 12.5-525 through 12.5-599.

• Conduct dust control for sport fields. 

• Conduct maintenance, repair or testing of an irrigation system.

Understand the Consequences of Water Waste

Water is a valuable resource, and Fort Worth has watering restrictions in place to help conserve it. Violating these restrictions can result in administrative fees and other penalties under City Ordinance 21194-07-2014. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly or recklessly install, operate, cause or permit the installation or operation of an irrigation system in violation of these requirements on premises they own, lease or manage.   

What Happens If You Violate the Watering Rules?

If a violation is recorded at your property, an administrative fee will be added to your next water bill. Repeated violations can result in higher fees and, ultimately, a citation and a locked water meter.

Violation Fees: 

We understand that managing water usage can be confusing, but we’re here to help! Our goal is to guide you toward better water practices that benefit both your household and the Fort Worth community.

How to Avoid Fines: Follow Fort Worth’s irrigation guidelines to prevent violations.

Need Help? If you have questions or believe a violation was issued in error, contact Fort Worth Water Conservation at:

WaterConservation@FortWorthTexas.gov