Watering Schedule
With finite water resources and a growing population, El Paso began an aggressive water conservation program in 1991. The El Paso City Council adopted the Conservation Ordinance as a way to further promote conservation. An important code under the ordinance limits watering of landscapes.
The Conservation Ordinance also establishes irrigation times during the hot summer months when evaporation is higher. Other codes, such as the plumbing code, promotes the installation of water-efficient fixtures in new homes and building construction or in remodeling of older homes and buildings.
This is an easy way to remember your watering days.
Landscaped areas can be watered up to three times a week throughout the year based on even/odd addresses. Water flowing into the streets is prohibited. Time of day restrictions are seasonal. Details:
- No residential watering on Mondays
- EVEN numbered addresses are allowed to water Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays
- ODD numbered addresses are allowed to water Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays.
- Schools, parks, cemeteries, golf courses and industrial sites are allowed to water Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays
- Times Restrictions: From April 1 through September 30, outdoor watering is only permitted before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on designated EVEN or ODD days
The Conservation Ordinance allows for three times per week watering, but it is often better to water less frequently. Download the seasonal watering recommendations and watering depths for mature plants, to encourage root growth and optimal plant health.
Water Conservation Ordinance Highlights
Violations to the ordinance can result in a Class C Municipal Notice of Violation. Fines can range from $50 to $500 per citation. The following uses of water are defined as wasting water and are prohibited:
- Landscape watering on the wrong day and/or wrong time
- Allowing water to flow into public right of way or storm water drainage system
- Failure to repair a leak within five working days of discovering the leak
- Washing down impervious surfaces, except in emergencies to remove spills of hazardous materials or eliminate dangerous conditions
Permits and variances may be available under certain conditions.
Permits
- Residential car washing is only allowed if a bucket and/or a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle is used.
- During a water emergency or during Stage 3 drought restrictions, washing of vehicles will only be permitted at commercial establishments equipped with treatment and recycling systems and approved by El Paso Water.
- Fundraising car washing events can only be held at commercial car wash establishments.
Variances
- If a customer desires a change in irrigation days and hours, it is the customer's responsibility to apply for a variance and demonstrate hardship by contacting El Paso Water’s Water Conservation Department at (915) 594-5508.
- A Review Board can modify established schedules or approve requests for variances.
- Variances are based on the Review Board's recommendations and are usually granted to customers that, because of age or health, depend on someone else to do yard work, or for those outdated irrigation systems that can't irrigate within the allotted time.
- All variances are discontinued during water emergencies and drought Stages 2 and 3.
Ordinance FAQs
Visit the El Paso, Texas Code of Ordinances to view the El Paso Texas Municipal Code - Water Conservation
To report a violation call (915) 594-5508. You can also visit our Report Water Waste page here.
For information on how you can make a difference and conserve water visit our Conservation page.
- Watering on the wrong day
- EVEN number addresses are permitted to water on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. ODD numbered addresses are permitted to water on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday.
- Watering at the wrong time of day
- From April 1 to September 30, watering is prohibited between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Washing your vehicle
- Use the hose only for quick rinses and be sure it has a positive shut off nozzle.
- Water flowing into the street
- This is a waste of water which can be a traffic safety hazard and cause damage to the street pavement.
- A water leak
- Leaks need to be repaired within five working days.
If you are unable to fix a water leak within 5 working days, you should call El Paso Water Code Enforcement to review at (915) 621-2098.
These permits allow the customer to water as needed; however, water is never to be allowed to run into the street. It is the customer's responsibility to call the Water Conservation Department at (915) 594-5508 to request permits.
Landscape Watering Permits:
- 30-day permits are granted for the establishment of new lawns.
- One-day permits are granted for the application of either chemicals or fertilizer.
Landscape permits and chemical permits will be limited when drought restrictions are in effect.
If a customer desires a change in irrigation days and hours, it is the customer's responsibility to apply for a variance and demonstrate hardship by contacting the Water Conservation Department at (915) 594-5508.
A Review Board can modify established schedules or approve requests for variances. Variances are based on the Review Board's recommendations and are usually granted to customers that, because of age or health, depend on someone else to do yard work, or for those out-dated irrigation systems that can't irrigate within the allotted time.
All variances are discontinued during water emergencies and drought Stages 2 and 3.
Please disregard the notice if a watering permit was recently issued.
