Garland 2025 Water Restrictions

Staying on top of Garland’s 2025 water restrictions isn’t just about avoiding a fine—it’s about protecting our local water supply and keeping our landscapes healthy with less waste. This guide breaks down the current watering schedule, explains why these rules exist, and shares practical tips Garland residents can use to conserve water without sacrificing curb appeal.

What you’ll learn:

• The 2025 watering schedule and hours for Garland, Texas
• Why restrictions are in place (and how they help)
• Simple, proven ways to cut outdoor and indoor water use
• How to set your sprinkler controller to stay compliant

The 2025 Watering Schedule in Garland, Texas

Garland follows seasonal watering rules designed to reduce water waste while supporting healthy landscapes.

• April 1 to October 31 (peak season): Up to two watering days per week if you use an in-ground sprinkler system.
• November 1 to March 31 (dormant season): Up to one watering day per week if you use an in-ground sprinkler system.

Key rules that typically apply:

• No watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the warm season. Watering in the heat leads to quick evaporation and wasted water.
• Hand watering with a hose-end nozzle and drip irrigation are usually allowed on any day if used efficiently. These methods deliver water directly to roots and limit waste.
• No watering during rain or when soil is saturated. Many controllers can prevent this automatically with a rain or soil moisture sensor.
• Don’t water hard surfaces. Sprinklers should not spray streets, sidewalks, or driveways.
• Fix leaks promptly. Broken heads, tilted nozzles, and line leaks waste thousands of gallons.

Note: Some neighborhoods, HOAs, or stages of drought response can add extra limits. Always check the City of Garland Water Utilities site or your latest utility notice for updates.

Why Garland Uses Water Restrictions

North Texas depends on a shared regional water supply. Garland receives treated water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), which serves more than a dozen growing communities. As our population grows and summers get hotter, peak demand strains the system—especially in late summer when lawns need more water and reservoirs sit lower.

Restrictions help by:

• Reducing peak demand. Lawns watered at the same time on the same days can overwhelm the system. Spreading watering across days and limiting midday use keeps pressure steady.
• Preventing waste. Watering in the heat leads to evaporation. Fixing leaks and using efficient methods ensures water reaches roots, not pavement.
• Protecting supply during drought. North Texas weather swings between heavy rain and extended dry spells. Restrictions help maintain reservoir levels and reduce emergency measures.
• Saving money for everyone. Treating and pumping water is expensive. Efficient use lowers costs over time and postpones expensive infrastructure expansions.

In short, restrictions aren’t arbitrary. They are a proven strategy to stretch our shared supply and keep service reliable during the toughest months.

How to Set Your Sprinkler Controller for Compliance

If you use an in-ground sprinkler system, a few simple controller settings can keep you compliant and efficient.

• Choose your allowed days:

• • Peak season (Apr–Oct): Program two specific days per week.
  • Dormant season (Nov–Mar): Program one day per week.

• Schedule early morning runs:

• • Set start times between 12 a.m. and 9 a.m. to avoid the 10 a.m.–6 p.m. no-watering window. Early morning reduces evaporation and wind drift.

• Limit run times to what your soil needs:

• • Clay-heavy North Texas soils absorb water slowly. Use “cycle and soak”—for example, run each zone for 6–8 minutes, rest 30 minutes, then repeat once. This prevents runoff.

• Install a rain or moisture sensor:

• • A $25–$60 sensor can save thousands of gallons a year by pausing scheduled watering when it rains or soil is still moist.

• Label zones and tailor run times:

• • Shrubs need less water than turf. Shade needs less than full sun. Slope areas need shorter, repeated cycles to avoid runoff.

Pro tip: If your controller has “seasonal adjust,” reduce to 60–70% during spring and fall, and to 30–40% in winter. Most lawns go semi-dormant and need far less water outside July–August.

Smart Outdoor Water-Saving Tips for Garland Residents

Outdoor use can account for 30–50% of a home’s total water in summer. These steps deliver quick wins.

• Water deep, not daily:

• • Aim for 0.5 to 1 inch per week in spring and fall; up to 1 inch in peak summer if there’s no rain. Use a rain gauge or tuna can test to measure.

• Mow higher:

• • Set your mower to 3–4 inches for St. Augustine and other warm-season grasses. Taller grass shades soil, reduces evaporation, and grows deeper roots.

• Mulch your beds:

• • A 2–3 inch layer of shredded hardwood or native mulch reduces evaporation, stabilizes soil temperature, and cuts weeds.

• Convert spray heads in beds to drip:

• • Drip irrigation uses 30–50% less water and delivers it right to the root zone. It also avoids overspray onto sidewalks.

• Fix common system issues:

• • Tilted or sunken sprinkler heads
  • Mismatched nozzles in the same zone
  • Leaking valves or broken risers
  • Spraying against fences, streets, or driveways
      A quick tune-up each spring can save thousands of gallons.

• Choose Texas-tough plants:

• • Native and adapted plants like Texas sage, lantana, autumn sage, dwarf yaupon holly, and Mexican feather grass thrive with less water once established.

• Add a smart controller:

• • Weather-based controllers adjust schedules using local conditions. Many utilities offer rebates—check Garland Water Utilities for current programs.

Indoor Water-Saving Tips That Add Up

Even small indoor changes can save hundreds of gallons per month.

• Fix leaks:

• • A running toilet can waste 200+ gallons a day. Add food coloring to the tank—if color appears in the bowl after 15 minutes, replace the flapper.

• Swap showerheads:

• • EPA WaterSense showerheads use 2.0 gpm or less and still feel great. A 10-minute daily shower can save over 1,000 gallons a month per person.

• Upgrade to high-efficiency toilets and fixtures:

• • WaterSense-labeled toilets use 1.28 gpf or less. Dual-flush models save even more.

• Run full loads:

• • Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when full. Choose eco cycles when possible.

• Turn off the tap:

• • Don’t let water run while brushing teeth or shaving. A simple habit change can save 8+ gallons per person per day.

• Capture water:

• • Keep a pitcher in the fridge for cold water so you don’t run the tap to cool it. Collect rinse water for plants when safe.

Understanding Drought Stages and What Could Change

Texas communities sometimes move through drought response stages depending on reservoir levels, weather, and demand. If conditions worsen, Garland could temporarily tighten limits—such as reducing allowed watering days, limiting car washing, or restricting new landscape watering.

How to stay informed:

• Check the City of Garland Water Utilities website before adjusting your irrigation schedule.
• Sign up for city alerts or utility newsletters.
• Follow official social media channels for real-time updates.
• Look for notices on your water bill or mailed inserts.

If new rules take effect, they’ll be shared through these channels first.

Landscaping with Less Water: A Garland-Friendly Approach

A water-wise yard can be beautiful, low-maintenance, and resilient.

• Design with hydrozones:

• • Group plants by water needs. Keep high-water plants near the house and low-water natives farther out.

• Improve soil:

• • North Texas clay benefits from compost. Add 2–3 inches of compost when planting beds to improve infiltration and root growth.

• Choose efficient turf:

• • Limit turf to areas you actually use. Consider drought-tolerant varieties and opt for larger bed spaces with native plants.

• Shade matters:

• • Plant trees strategically to shade west and south exposures. Shade reduces lawn water needs and protects plant roots from intense summer heat.

By embracing water-efficient landscaping techniques, Garland homeowners can enjoy attractive outdoor spaces while helping conserve our precious water supply. Simple changes—like choosing native plants, using mulch, and creating practical zones—make a significant impact. Together, small steps add up, ensuring our community stays vibrant and sustainable even during the hottest, driest Texas summers.