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Fort Worth, TX Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Code section
§ 35-26, Chapter 35
Leak repair deadline
Within 5 working days
Runoff to street/drain
Strictly prohibited
Weather-caused runoff
Exempt
Enforcing agency
Fort Worth Water Utilities

Summary

Fort Worth City Code § 35-26 defines wasting water as strictly prohibited and requires property owners to repair any leak in a private plumbing or irrigation system within five working days of discovering or being notified of it.

(a) The following uses of water are defined as WASTING WATER and are strictly prohibited: (1) Permitting or causing water to flow, spray or otherwise move or be discharged from the premises ... to or upon any street, alley or other public right-of-way, ditch or drain, unless same is caused as a result of weather conditions or such other uncontrollable events; and (2) Failing to repair a leak in a private plumbing system or in an irrigation system within five working days of the discovery or notification of same.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under § 35-26 of Chapter 35 (Water and Sewers), Fort Worth defines two acts as "wasting water," both strictly prohibited: permitting water to flow, spray, or discharge off your property onto a street, alley, other public right-of-way, ditch, or drain; and failing to repair a leak in a private plumbing system or irrigation system within five working days of discovering or being notified of it. Runoff caused by weather or other uncontrollable events is exempt. The rule applies to every customer of, or person receiving water from, the city water supply, and is enforced by Fort Worth Water Utilities.

Violations & Fines

Wasting water is strictly prohibited citywide; a private-plumbing or irrigation leak not fixed within five working days of discovery or notice is a code violation enforced by Fort Worth Water Utilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to fix a water leak in Fort Worth?
Five working days from the moment you discover the leak or the city notifies you. Failing to repair a private plumbing or irrigation leak within that window is prohibited water waste under § 35-26.
Is water running off my lawn onto the street illegal in Fort Worth?
Yes. § 35-26 strictly prohibits letting water flow, spray, or discharge from your property onto a street, alley, right-of-way, ditch, or drain, unless it is caused by weather or other uncontrollable events.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Worth

Recycled Water RulesSome RestrictionsTurf Replacement RebatesFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Freeway-Facing SignsSome Restrictions

All Fort Worth rules

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