Stage 2 Water Restrictions, which took effect on September 6, 2011, remain in place for all Austin Water customers. Even though recent rains have lessened the effects of the drought and added more water to the lakes, the combined levels of Lakes Buchanan and Travis are still less than half full.Stage 2 Water Use Guidelines

Stage 2 Includes:

• Watering with an irrigation system, hose-end sprinkler, or soaker hose allowed 1 day per week according to address
• Hand-watering allowed any time on any day of the week
• Automatic irrigation systems can only operate before 10 a.m. on your watering day
• Hose-end sprinklers and soaker hoses can be used before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on your watering day
• Only wash your car at home before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on your watering day and use a bucket or a hose with a shutoff nozzle
• Ornamental fountains may not be operated
• Automatic fill valves for swimming pools and ponds must be turned off
• No charity carwashes unless a waterless cleaning product is used instead of water
• No water to be served at restaurants unless requested
• No washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas or other paved areas

Our Stage 2 Frequently Asked Questions can give you more details about the restrictions.

Wasting water is prohibited year-round in Austin. To ensure you do not waste water, be mindful of leaking faucets, pipes, and irrigation systems operating with misdirected or broken sprinkler heads.  Find out more about available Rebates and Programs to help save water and get information about detecting water-wasting leaks.

Watering Schedule Variances

In limited situations, we may grant a variance from the watering schedule. Please note that applicants must follow the current watering schedule until a variance application is approved.

Violations

To ensure that customers follow the restrictions, Austin Water staff is continuing enforcement. Violations of the mandatory restrictions will result in an official warning followed by a citation if the violation is not corrected. Citations will be issued in Municipal Court with fines starting at $475. Report any violations by calling 3-1-1.

For More Information

You can find more information about the water restrictions in the Water Conservation chapter of the Water Use Management Ordinance.