Lewisville's Water Use Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles water use rules a little differently. In Lewisville, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Recycled Water Rules

Lewisville allows reclaimed water in landscape irrigation only under conditions set by City Code § 4-112, amending International Plumbing Code § 608.17.5. Reclaimed lines must use purple-coded components, avoid crossing property lines, protect the potable supply with an air gap or reduced-pressure backflow device, and post bilingual 'RECLAIMED WATER - DO NOT DRINK' signage at least eight inches square wherever the water is applied.

Key details: Governing rule: IPC § 608.17.5 as amended, City Code § 4-112. Signage: 8x8 in bilingual 'Do Not Drink' sign. Backflow: Air gap or reduced-pressure device required. Max fine: $2,000/day, Class C misdemeanor. Piping: Must use purple-coded components.

Using reclaimed water without the required purple-coded components, air gap or reduced-pressure backflow protection, or bilingual warning signage violates § 608.17.5, which the ordinance declares a nuisance. Conviction carries a fine of up to $2,000.00 as a Class C misdemeanor, with each day of continued noncompliance charged as a separate offense, in addition to any civil injunctive action the city elects to pursue.

Leak Reporting Duty

City employees, including police officers, must report any water leaks or unnecessary waste they observe to the director of public services on forms furnished for that purpose. Property owners whose service lines between the meter and the building rust out, break, or deteriorate must repair them to city specifications, in the interest of water conservation.

Key details: Employee duty: City staff/police must report leaks to Public Services. Owner duty: Repair deteriorated service lines to city specs. Reporting method: On blanks furnished by the city. Default penalty: Up to $500 fine per Sec. 1-15. Each day: Continuing violation is a separate offense.

No fine amount is set within Sections 16-233 or 16-237 themselves, so the citywide general penalty in Section 1-15 applies: a fine not exceeding $500.00 for violations of Code provisions that don't specify their own penalty and don't fall under the fire-safety, zoning, or public-health categories carrying the higher $2,000.00 cap. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Lewisville'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 Lewisville is broadly strict or permissive.

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