Water restrictions in Tomball, TX — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Tomball implements a tiered drought contingency plan that restricts outdoor watering during shortage conditions. During normal conditions, the city encourages voluntary conservation. During mandatory drought stages, watering is limited to designated days and times. Violations during higher drought stages carry fines up to $2,000 per day. Tomball receives water from its own groundwater wells and surface water from the City of Houston.
Tomball manages water supply through a combination of groundwater wells and a surface water contract with the City of Houston. The city's drought contingency plan follows a staged approach consistent with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements. Stage 1 (Voluntary Conservation) requests residents limit outdoor watering and avoid watering between 10 AM and 6 PM. Stage 2 (Mandatory Restrictions) limits landscape irrigation to twice per week on designated days based on address (even/odd), prohibits watering between 10 AM and 6 PM, and restricts car washing to facilities using recycled water or handheld hoses with shutoff nozzles. Stage 3 (Severe Shortage) reduces watering to once per week and prohibits filling swimming pools, operating ornamental fountains, and pressure washing. Stage 4 (Emergency) bans all non-essential outdoor water use. Hand watering with a handheld hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle is generally allowed during Stages 1-3 for trees, foundations, and new landscaping. The North Harris County Regional Water Authority also sets requirements that affect Tomball's water management policies. The city posts current drought stage information on its website and utility billing notices.
Stage 1 is voluntary with no penalties. Stage 2 violations carry fines of $250 to $500 per offense. Stage 3 violations range from $500 to $1,000 per offense. Stage 4 violations carry fines up to $2,000 per day and may result in water service restriction through a flow-restrictor device. Repeat offenders during any mandatory stage face escalating fines and potential water service disconnection.
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