Lawn Watering Restrictions: Houston vs Tomball
How do lawn watering restrictions rules compare between Houston, TX and Tomball, TX?
Houston and Tomball have similar restriction levels.
Houston, TX
Harris County
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 →Tomball, TX
Harris County
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.
View full Tomball rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Tomball |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Countywide rule | - | None unified |
| Groundwater authority | - | Harris-Galveston Subsidence District |
| Houston schedule | - | City Code chapter 47 |
| MUD authority | - | TX Water Code chapter 49 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Tomball 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.
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