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πŸ’§ Water Use Rules/Lawn Watering Restrictions

Lawn Watering Restrictions: Deer Park vs Houston

How do lawn watering restrictions rules compare between Deer Park, TX and Houston, TX?

Deer Park and Houston have similar restriction levels.

Deer Park, TX

Harris County

Some Restrictions

Harris County has no countywide lawn-watering schedule, but the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District requires groundwater conservation and many cities impose two-day-per-week schedules. Houston runs voluntary watering rules under City Code chapter 47 with mandatory restrictions during drought stages declared by Houston Public Works.

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Houston, TX

Harris County

Some Restrictions

Houston Public Works enforces a year-round twice-weekly lawn watering schedule by address parity. Mandatory drought response rules under the Water Conservation Plan trigger tighter restrictions during Stage 1, 2, and 3 drought conditions.

View full Houston rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactDeer ParkHouston
Countywide ruleNone unified-
Groundwater authorityHarris-Galveston Subsidence District-
Houston scheduleCity Code chapter 47-
MUD authorityTX Water Code chapter 49-
Time restriction-Avoid 10am to 6pm
Even addresses-Sunday and Thursday
Odd addresses-Saturday and Wednesday
Drought trigger-Lake storage thresholds
Authority-Houston Public Works

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Deer Park FAQ

When can I water my lawn in Harris County?

It depends on your provider. Houston defaults to twice-weekly residential watering under City Code chapter 47, with stricter drought-stage rules. MUD-served unincorporated areas follow individual schedules. Check your water bill for the current rule.

Why does Harris County limit groundwater use?

The Harris-Galveston Subsidence District found heavy groundwater pumping caused land subsidence and Hurricane Harvey-style flooding. Special District Local Laws Code chapter 8801 requires conversion to surface water sources, with a 2035 target for the western county area.

Houston FAQ

Can I water by hand anytime?

Yes. Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle and drip irrigation systems are exempt from the time-of-day and day-of-week restrictions year-round.

What happens during drought stages?

Stage 1 cuts watering to once weekly; Stage 2 adds bans on car washing and pool filling; Stage 3 prohibits nearly all outdoor use except essential commercial.

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