Water Use Rules in Carrollton, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Carrollton or are thinking about moving there, water use rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Carrollton has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of water use rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Recycled Water Rules

Carrollton's cross-connection ordinance bars every reclaimed water system, including industrial ones, from ever connecting to the public water supply. Before a reclaimed water system can operate, the city must inspect it, and any backflow prevention assembly protecting the stand-alone system must be tested and certified by a city-registered BPAT first.

Key details: Connection to public supply: Prohibited for all reclaimed water systems. Pre-activation inspection: Required before any reclaimed water system activates. Backflow testing: Must be tested by a city-registered BPAT. Governing chapter: Chapter 56, Cross-Connection Control and Prevention. Effective date: Ordinance 4293, adopted December 2, 2025.

A violation of Chapter 56, including an illegal connection of a reclaimed water system to the public supply, is punishable under the citywide general penalty at § 10.99(A)(2)(c), which caps fines for Chapter 56 offenses at $2,000.00 because the chapter governs public health and sanitation. The city administers inspections and BPAT registration, and a reclaimed water system found out of compliance cannot be activated or connected until it passes inspection and testing.

Leak Reporting Duty

Carrollton's Code of Ordinances Section 52.093(A)(1) makes it a criminal offense for a property owner, tenant, or manager to allow an exterior plumbing leak to keep running. The rule sits inside Chapter 52's landscape water management provisions, adopted by Ordinance 2968 in 2005, and ties into the Utility Billing Department's Water Leak Adjustment Policy for anyone who fixes a leak and wants billing relief.

Key details: Governing section: Code § 52.093(A)(1). Adopted: Ordinance 2968, April 19, 2005. Max fine: Up to $2,000 per violation. Continuing offense: Each day counts separately. Variance available: City Manager may grant hardship relief.

Allowing an exterior plumbing leak to persist is a Chapter 52 offense. Under the general penalty schedule at Section 10.99(A)(2)(b), Chapter 52 violations carry a fine of up to $2,000.00. Section 52.999(A)(1) classifies a violation as a misdemeanor and treats each day the leak is left unrepaired as a separate offense, so fines can stack daily until the leak is fixed or a hardship variance is granted.

The Bottom Line

Carrollton's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Carrollton is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Carrollton's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.