With the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant temporarily offline, the system is more vulnerable to drops in pressure. Stage 2 mandatory measures help reduce overall demand by 10% so we can maintain safe, reliable service citywide.

Mandatory water restrictions will remain in effect until repairs are completed at the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant and normal operations are restored. Updates will be posted on the City’s website, social media channels, and news releases. You may also sign up for RAVE alerts through Smart911.com to receive emergency notifications directly.

Outdoor irrigation is the largest use of treated drinking water during warm months. By limiting watering days and hours, the City can significantly reduce overall demand while still meeting essential household and public safety needs.

To reduce demand, outdoor watering is limited to two days per week before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. 

• Even-numbered addresses: Sundays and Thursdays
• Odd-numbered addresses: Saturdays and Wednesdays

(Tip: Use the last number of your address to determine if it’s even or odd.)

Hand watering and drip irrigation are allowed at any time.

Yes. Hand watering with a hose or a faucet-filled bucket (5 gallons or less) and drip/soaker systems are allowed anytime. Sprinklers and automatic irrigation are limited to assigned watering days before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Yes.

• Landscape Irrigation  
• Allowed twice weekly  
• Even-numbered addresses (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Sundays & Thursdays  
• Odd-numbered addresses (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Saturdays & Wednesdays  
• Watering only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.  
• Ensure sprinkler systems are adjusted NOT to water pavement and irrigate only when necessary.
• Hand-held hoses, drip systems, or buckets (5 gallons or less) may be used at any time. These systems are more efficient and reduce water lost to evaporation.

Yes. Soaker hoses are allowed because they operate similarly to drip irrigation, applying water slowly and directly to plant roots.

Turn the system off immediately and inspect for visible damage or pooling water. If you need help locating or repairing the leak, contact a licensed irrigation professional for assistance. Please remember that leaks must be repaired promptly once you’re aware of them.

Yes, but only on your watering days:

• Car washing: Allowed 8 p.m. – midnight using a bucket or hose with a shut-off nozzle.
• Pool filling or topping off: Allowed 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. on watering days.

Commercial car washes use water much more efficiently than home washing and often recycle a large portion of it. Because they provide an essential service and support local jobs, they are allowed to operate during Stage 2.

All routine hydrant flushing has been paused during this period. Please report a running fire hydrant to the Water Service Center at (903) 531-1258. Limited use of fire hydrants will be permitted for firefighting or authorized construction activities.

City parks and medians follow the same watering restrictions.

Our first goal is always education and voluntary compliance; however, violations may result in a written warning or citation. Continued noncompliance or intentional water waste may result in fines. Enforcement is authorized under the City’s Drought Contingency and Emergency Demand Management Plan and City Code. Residents are encouraged to report concerns so the City can follow up and ensure everyone is doing their part to conserve water and maintain system reliability.

Yes. You can report water waste or suspected violations to the Water Service Center by calling (903) 531-1285. Please provide the address, date, and a brief description. Reports help staff follow up and educate residents.

Please report it right away to the Water Service Center at (903) 531-1285 with the address, date/time, and a brief description.

Water waste includes any prohibited or excessive use, such as:

• Watering on non-designated days or during restricted hours
• Using water for dust control  
• Allowing runoff onto sidewalks or streets
• Washing down driveways or buildings
• Letting leaks continue unrepaired after notice

Stage 2 restrictions don’t change water rates, and water rates did not increase this year. The only change was to the Environmental Compliance Fee, which helps fund required wastewater projects under the federal Consent Decree. 

Yes, some activities, such as vehicle washing, filling the pool, or running decorative fountains, are also limited. Even if you don’t irrigate, please help by fixing leaks promptly and being mindful of your daily water use both indoors and outdoors.

Updates will be shared through the City’s website, social media channels, and news releases. You may also sign up for RAVE alerts through Smart911.com to receive emergency notifications directly.