A Resident’s Guide to Fort Worth’s 2025 Water Restrictions

Water, the most vital resource on the planet, is something we often take for granted. However, as temperatures rise and populations grow, water conservation becomes a critical responsibility for all of us. Fort Worth, Texas, has enacted year-round water restrictions for 2025 to ensure that every drop is used wisely. This guide will break down the watering rules, offer practical tips, and highlight resources to help you do your part for a sustainable future.

Why Water Conservation Matters

Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, putting increased pressure on water supplies. Water restrictions aren’t just a bureaucratic nuisance; they are a collective effort to prevent water shortages, protect the environment, and prepare for the future. By following these simple rules, residents can make a significant impact on maintaining a reliable water supply for everyone.

2025 Outdoor Watering Rules in Fort Worth

To tackle water usage effectively, Fort Worth has a clear set of regulations for residents and businesses. These restrictions are designed to avoid waste, encourage responsible usage, and maintain healthy landscapes.

Key Guidelines

1. Watering Hours
   • No outdoor watering using irrigation systems or sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., when evaporation rates are at their peak.
   • Hand-held hoses, drip irrigation, or soaker hoses can be used any time.
2. Assigned Watering Days
   • The city follows a Twice-a-Week SmartWatering Schedule, with specific days for different property types and addresses:
   • Tuesday & Friday – Non-residential properties (businesses, parks, apartment complexes). 
   • Wednesday & Saturday – Residential addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. 
   • Thursday & Sunday – Residential addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. 
   • Monday – No watering for anyone.
3. Additional Restrictions
   • No watering during rainfall or when precipitation is expected. 
   • Watering hard surfaces like sidewalks or driveways is prohibited. 
   • Avoid water waste caused by runoff, broken sprinklers, or misaligned irrigation heads.
4. Mandatory Sensors
   • All irrigation systems installed after June 1, 2007, must have rain and freeze sensors to prevent unnecessary watering.

Who Is Exempt?

• • Newly planted sod or grass seed can be watered as needed for up to 30 consecutive days after securing a variance from the city. 
  • Properties using alternative water sources (e.g., wells or reclaimed water) may also be exempt after registration.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Enforcing water restrictions is key to conservation efforts. Here’s what happens if rules are violated:

1. First Violation – A warning postcard, no fee. 
2. Second Violation – A $25 fine. 
3. Third Violation – A $50 fine. 
4. Fourth Violation – A $75 fine. 
5. Fifth Violation – Service lockout, which incurs an administrative fee for restoration ranging from $25 to $75. 

To prevent violations, check your irrigation settings and adjust them to comply with the city’s guidelines.

Tips to Save Water and Keep Your Yard Healthy

Saving water doesn’t mean sacrificing your lush green lawn. Here’s how you can stay compliant while maintaining your outdoor spaces:

1. Know Your Yard’s Needs

Sign up for the Weekly Watering Advice, a free service provided by the Tarrant Regional Water District and Fort Worth Water. This tool evaluates local weather and soil conditions to recommend an appropriate watering schedule. You may find that even the city’s two-day allowance is more than your lawn requires.

2. Schedule a SmartIrrigation Evaluation

Fort Worth offers free SmartIrrigation evaluations to assess the efficiency of your irrigation system. While this doesn’t include repairs, you’ll receive a detailed report with recommendations for improvement.

3. Upgrade Your Equipment

Consider investing in a water-efficient sprinkler system with features like:

• Timed controllers.
• High-efficiency sprinkler heads.
• Drip irrigation for specific plants.

4. Water Deeply and Less Often

Instead of shallow, frequent watering, aim for deep irrigation once or twice a week. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more resilient to drought.

5. Mulch to Retain Moisture

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and maintain soil moisture longer. Plus, mulch helps suppress weeds!

6. Avoid Overwatering

One inch of water per week, including rainfall, is generally all your lawn needs. Overwatering not only wastes water but can encourage fungal diseases and weaken your grass.

7. Fix Leaks Quickly

A leaky faucet or broken sprinkler head might seem minor, but it can waste gallons of water daily. Inspect your system regularly for leaks and repair them promptly.

Resources to Help You Stay Water-Wise

Fort Worth provides plenty of resources to help residents follow the rules and conserve water efficiently:

• Save Fort Worth Water: Official site for updates and additional water-saving tips. 
• Contact Water Conservation Specialists: Email waterconservation@FortWorthTexas.gov or call 817-392-4477 for assistance. 
• myH2O Portal: This online tool tracks daily water use, helping you detect leaks early or monitor high usage areas. 

By using these tools and following the city’s guidelines, you can make a big difference.

Together for a Sustainable Fort Worth

The 2025 water restrictions aren’t just rules—they’re a roadmap to ensure that Fort Worth has a secure water future. Every resident plays a crucial role in protecting this shared resource for generations to come. By watering on schedule, using resources wisely, and adopting sustainable practices, we can collectively overcome the challenges of water scarcity.

Remember, being water smart isn’t just good for the environment; it’s also good for your wallet. Start now by checking your watering schedule, evaluating your lawn’s needs, and making use of free tools like the Weekly Watering Advice. Together, we can make Fort Worth a leader in water conservation!