Water Use Rules in Abilene, TX (2026)
3 verified water use rules for Abilene, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
Abilene's landscaping code requires every required landscape area, including single-family and two-family yards, to follow xeriscaping principles: low-water, drought-tolerant design. Grass or other live ground cover must dominate the space, capping decorative rock, pervious pavers and other non-vegetative surfaces at 15 percent of the required area. The code also mandates efficient irrigation, whether automatic underground systems, drip lines, or a hose bib within 100 feet.
Abilene Landscaping Code Requires Xeriscaping
Some RestrictionsAbilene Land Development Code Sec. 4.2.2.3(a), (h), (j); Sec. 4.2.2.2(d)
(d)The provisions of this section shall not apply to single-family or two-family residential development, except for Section 4.2.2.3 below. ... (a)Grass or other vegetative cover is generally required for all required landscape areas. A maximum of 15% of the required landscape area may include non-vegetative pervious cover, such as landscaping rocks, pervious pavers, or similar, excluding sidew...
Recycled Water Rules
Abilene runs a nonpotable reuse program and an indirect potable reuse system for its water supply, and treated wastewater delivered under a reclaimed-water contract can only irrigate landscaping between midnight and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight. All other reclaimed-water use must follow the City's TCEQ reuse authorization, per Code of Ordinances § 32-142.
Abilene Restricts Reclaimed Water Irrigation Hours
Some RestrictionsCode of Ordinances § 32-142(c), (d), (e)
The City utilizes a variety of alternative water sources including an extensive nonpotable reuse program, and an indirect potable water reuse system. The City encourages its customers to utilize alternative water sources during periods of water shortage... These water use restrictions do apply to the time for the use of treated wastewater (reclaimed water) for landscape irrigation. Use of recla...
Leak Reporting Duty
Abilene's water conservation plan treats an unrepaired sprinkler head, valve, pipe, or faucet leak as "waste of water," a standing violation that applies every day of the year, not only during a drought stage. The rule sits in Code of Ordinances § 32-144(1)f and is enforced by the Water Utilities Department alongside the City's watering-day schedule.
Abilene Requires Repair of Controllable Leaks
Some RestrictionsCode of Ordinances § 32-144(1)f
Water wasting. The following uses of water are defined as "waste of water" and are absolutely prohibited:1.Allowing water to run off a property through the street, gutter, ditch, alley, or drain for more than seventy-five (75) feet from the downgrade of the property line;2.Failure to repair a controllable leak, including a broken sprinkler head, a leaking valve, leaking or broken pipes, or a le...
Looking for Taylor County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Abilene city rules.
Water Use Rules in Taylor County →