Report a Watering Violation

Winter Water Conservation Plan in Effect Nov. 1
The strategy allows for lawn irrigation at any time of day through March 31 to avoid watering during times when the temperature may drop below freezing. Watering is allowed at even-numbered addresses on Tuesdays and Saturdays and at odd-numbered addresses on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Watering during periods of precipitation, watering that creates excessive runoff from your property or the use of poorly maintained sprinkler systems is prohibited. Watering via drip irrigation, soaker hose or hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle may be done any day at any time. Please water only as needed, based on moisture content of the soil.

The winter watering plan is part of water conservation efforts to help reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.

(Check out www.watermyyard.org for personalized watering recommendations.) For more information on water conservation please call 972-744-4111.

• 2019 Water Conservation Plan (PDF)
• 2019 Water Resource Management Plan (PDF)

Download
Drought Tolerant Plant Guide

 

• Excessive water runoff from any landscaped area is prohibited.
• Watering during freezing temperatures is prohibited.
• Watering during times of precipitation is prohibited.
• Use of poorly maintained sprinkler systems is prohibited.

• Additional watering of landscape and lawns may be provided by hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle, drip irrigation and soaker hose. These methods of watering can be done any day and at any time.
• The use of drip irrigation systems, soaker hoses and hand-watering with a shutoff nozzle to protect foundations is allowed.
• Public athletic fields may be watered as needed.
• The operation of ornamental fountains is permitted.
• Non-commercial car washing or other motor vehicles can be done only when using a water hose with a shutoff nozzle.
• Newly constructed pools, Jacuzzis and spas may be filled.
• Pools may be drained and refilled as needed (must follow proper water disposal methods).
• Hosing down or power washing sidewalks, driveways, patios, porches, parking areas or other similar paved surfaces is permitted.
• Golf courses may water as needed.
• Smart or ET Irrigation systems may operate as needed. A variance is required to operate smart/ET Irrigation systems.

Enforcement
Inspectors will respond to citizen complaints, which upon receipt will be dispatched to inspectors in the field for investigation/action.

Inspectors will also send notices when evidence of watering during prohibited times/days is observed. The purpose of the notice is to inform the violator that their sprinkler system is very likely operating on an inappropriate day or during an inappropriate time.

A defendant will not be required to appear in court if issued a citation for a first offense. A defendant may instead elect to plead ‘guilty’ or ‘no contest’ and pay a window fine of $150.

If a second (or subsequent) citation is issued or if a citation is written as an “aggravated offense,” the defendant will be required to appear before a municipal court judge.

Reporting Water Abuse
Residents are encouraged to report violations via the MyRichardson mobile application or by calling 972-744-4111.