San Marcos, TX Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in San Marcos, TX, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Governing division
- Ch. 86, Art. 2, Div. 2
- Stage 1 limit
- 2 days/week, off-peak hours
- Stage 3 limit
- 1 day every other week
- Max criminal fine
- $2,000 for third offense
- Enforcement
- Municipal Court plus civil penalties
Summary
San Marcos enforces four escalating drought stages under Chapter 86, Article 2, Division 2 of the city code, cutting sprinkler irrigation to one day every other week in Stage 3 and adding stricter limits at Stage 4.
The following measures are in effect for any period when Stage 3 of the drought response plan is in effect: (1)Waste of water is prohibited. (2)Irrigation with hose-end sprinklers and automatic sprinkler irrigation systems is allowed only one day every other week on the designated weekday before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).
Full Breakdown
A year-round baseline (Sec. 86.059) bans water waste and non-recirculating aesthetic features at all times. The Public Services Director declares Stage 1 through Stage 4 based on Edwards Aquifer and Canyon Lake levels and consumption thresholds (Sec. 86.058). Stage 1 (Sec. 86.060) limits hose-end and automatic sprinkler irrigation to two designated days per week before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.; Stage 2 (Sec. 86.061) cuts that to one day per week; Stage 3 (Sec. 86.062) to one day every other week; Stage 4 (Sec. 86.063) lets the director impose further measures at discretion. Hand-held hose, bucket, soaker-hose and drip irrigation remain allowed any day through Stage 2.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 86.069: criminal misdemeanor fines of $100-$250 (1st offense), $250-$500 (2nd), $500-$2,000 (3rd), each day a separate offense; civil penalties up to $1,000/day, or flow-control device installation/service termination under Sec. 86.066.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drought stage is San Marcos in right now?
Can I still hand-water my lawn during a drought stage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Marcos
How San Marcos compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Marcos to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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