In response to ongoing drought conditions and to ensure the sustainable use of our water resources, the City of Lancaster, TX, is implementing water restrictions for 2024. These measures are designed to preserve water levels and protect the community’s long-term water supply.
Key Restrictions
Outdoor Watering
- Limited Watering Days:
- Residential properties: Watering is permitted only on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- Commercial properties: Watering is permitted only on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- No watering is allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
- Watering Hours: Outdoor watering is allowed only between 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM on permitted days.
- Hand Watering: Hand watering with a hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle, drip irrigation systems, and soaker hoses are allowed any day but only during permitted watering hours.
Prohibited Activities
- New Landscaping: No new landscaping installations requiring significant watering will be permitted.
- Vehicle Washing: Washing vehicles at home is prohibited unless using a bucket or a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Commercial car washes are exempt from this restriction.
- Ornamental Water Features: Operation of ornamental fountains and other decorative water features is prohibited unless they use re-circulated water.
- Swimming Pools: Filling new swimming pools, hot tubs, or other large water containers is prohibited. Existing pools can be topped off to maintain safe levels.
Penalties
Non-compliance with the water restrictions will result in the following penalties:
- First Violation: Written warning.
- Second Violation: $100 fine.
- Subsequent Violations: $500 fine per occurrence.
Exemptions
The following are exempt from the water restrictions:
- Watering of necessary public safety areas such as sports fields, parks, and public gardens.
- Use of water for essential activities such as firefighting and health care facilities.
- Businesses that rely on water for their core operations (e.g., nurseries, commercial car washes).
Conservation Tips
Residents are encouraged to adopt water-saving habits such as:
- Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets.
- Fixing leaks promptly.
- Using native plants in landscaping that require less water.
- Utilizing rain barrels to collect and reuse rainwater.
For more details and updates on the water restrictions, please visit the City of Lancaster’s official website or contact the Lancaster Water Department at (972) 218-2324.
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Lancaster has a sustainable water supply for future generations. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to conserving our precious water resources.
