Water Use Rules in Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth maintains 189 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with water use rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fort Worth falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Recycled Water Rules

Fort Worth sells treated wastewater as reclaimed water only inside its designated service area and only under a signed reclaimed water service agreement approved by the water department director. Section 35-182 limits use to seven listed purposes, mainly landscape irrigation, non-food industrial process, nonresidential flushing, construction and vehicle washing, and bars any other use, resale or discharge without written approval.

Key details: Governing article: City Code §§ 35-171 through 35-192. Prerequisite: Signed reclaimed water service agreement required. Lawful uses: Irrigation, industrial process, flushing, construction, vehicle wash, cooling towers. Rate: $1.7364 per 1,000 gal (10-1-2018), +5%/yr. Signage rule: 8"x8" bilingual "Do Not Drink" signs, § 35-184.

Any violation of Article VIII is a Class C misdemeanor under § 35-187, punishable by a fine up to $2,000 per § 1-6(c), with each instance of a violation treated as a separate offense. Section 35-186's prohibited acts, unauthorized use, off-site drift or ponding, cross-connections, tampering, unpaid taking of service and removing warning signs, are the specific conduct that triggers this fine.

Turf Replacement Rebates

Fort Worth Water Department offers conservation rebates that can include turf reduction, irrigation upgrades, and rain barrels for residential customers. The voluntary program supports the Climate Action Plan and complements year-round watering rules.

Key details: Lead agency: Fort Worth Water Department. Eligibility: Residential and commercial accounts. Plant guide: Texas SmartScape species list. Artificial turf: Not eligible. Inspection: Pre and post installation.

This is a voluntary incentive program with no penalties for non-participation. Customers who fail post-installation inspection forfeit rebates and may be required to return funds. Replacing turf still requires HOA and tree-protection compliance.

Fort Worth is more permissive than most cities when it comes to turf replacement rebates. That said, there are still limits.

Leak Reporting Duty

Fort Worth City Code § 35-26 defines wasting water as strictly prohibited and requires property owners to repair any leak in a private plumbing or irrigation system within five working days of discovering or being notified of it.

Key details: Code section: § 35-26, Chapter 35. Leak repair deadline: Within 5 working days. Runoff to street/drain: Strictly prohibited. Weather-caused runoff: Exempt. Enforcing agency: Fort Worth Water Utilities.

Wasting water is strictly prohibited citywide; a private-plumbing or irrigation leak not fixed within five working days of discovery or notice is a code violation enforced by Fort Worth Water Utilities.

The Bottom Line

Fort Worth'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 Fort Worth is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Fort Worth can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.