Water Waste FAQ's
Q: What are my watering days?
A: Residential addresses ending in an even number can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Residential addresses ending in an odd number can water on Thursdays and Sundays. All non-residential sites (apartments, common areas, businesses, parks, etc.) may water on Tuesdays and Fridays. There is NO watering on Mondays. No watering is allowed during the hours of 10:00 am-6:00 pm with a sprinkler or irrigation system. Remember, just because you can water twice a week doesn't mean that you need to. It is more important to water deeply and thoroughly than frequently. Most grass types don't need more than one inch of water on a twice per week schedule.
Q: Why is watering not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.?
A: These hours are prohibited through Fort Worth's Conservation Ordinance. Additionally, this tends to be the warmest part of the day, which increases water loss to evaporation. By avoiding these hours, watering is typically more efficient.
Q: How can I report a violation?
A: Violations can be reported on the website, www.savefortworthwater.org, or by phone at 817-392-4477. Please provide as much information as possible when reporting. It is difficult to properly investigate a violation with insufficient information such as address, date, and time.
Q: I can't figure out how to set my irrigation controller to the right days. What should I do?
A: The City of Fort Worth Water Department offers free irrigation audits to all customers. The audit is performed by a Water Conservation Specialist. If you would like to schedule an audit, please call (817)392-8740.
Q: Can I water by hand?
A: In Stage 1 of the watering restrictions you may water by hand held hose at any time of any day. Hand held hoses may not be left unattended. If you choose to water by hand, no water can run on to a hard surface (i.e. pavement, street, sidewalk, median, etc.).
Q: I received a violation letter, but I don't think it occurred on my property. Is this going to effect my bill?
A: The first letter is an educational tool to inform customers of the Stage 1 watering restrictions. No fee or lock-out can be assessed without a City employee seeing and reporting the violation. Staying in compliance at all times is the easiest way to avoid any violations.
Q: It has been raining the past few days and the weather channel says it's going to be cool. Are we out of the drought?
A: No, it will take a substantial amount of rain to get us out of the drought restrictions. Our reservoirs are in different locations (some as far as East Texas). Even when it rains in Fort Worth, it may not rain in our reservoir watersheds.
Q : Can I still fill up my pool during the drought restrictions?
A: There are no restrictions during Stage 1 of the drought that prohibit filling up swimming pools. However, it is discouraged unless it is absolutely necessary.
Q: What are the restrictions on power washing?
A: Power washing is discouraged except to alleviate a health or safety hazard or to prepare a surface for painting.
Q: If my plants or grass die during the drought restrictions, is the City going to reimburse me for the lost landscaping?
A: No, the City does not have any program to reimburse for landscaping that does not survive during drought restrictions. Most trees and grasses will go dormant during the winter and come back in the warmer months.
Q: Can I still wash my car during Stage 1 drought restrictions?
A: Yes, you may wash your car at home if you use a positive shut off nozzle with a bucket. Using a commercial car wash or service station can be done at any time.
Q: What if someone reported me because they have a personal problem with me?
A: Violations must be observed by a City employee before any fee or lock-out occurs. Citizen reports are an avenue to help our enforcement staff identify offenses.
Q: I want to establish new grass. Can I water more than my two allotted days?
A: Establishing new grass is discouraged, but if it is already installed, you must submit a [variance]/water/savefwwater/irrigation/irrgation-schedule-variance-application.pdf). If approved, you may be able to water more than the allotted days. No variances will be approved for more than 30 days. For more information, please contact our office at 817-392-8740.
Q: What if the drought gets worse?
A: At this point, the lake and reservoir capacity levels are continuing to decrease. At 60 percent capacity the City will enter Stage 2. This will restrict watering to one day per week for each customer. More information on Stage 2 restrictions is available at www.savefortworthwater.org.