Why do I see gallons of water running out of a hydrant? Isn't that just wasting water?
  • Flushing water from fire hydrants is an important activity to maintain water quality in the system and cannot be avoided even during drought conditions. By performing this activity, the city is maintaining the necessary chlorine levels within the water to ensure the safety and quality of this product for human consumption. We strive to limit the amount of water flushed for environmental and economic reasons; however, this activity is an unavoidable operational function to maintain water quality under state regulations set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Fire hydrants are also tested periodically to ensure they are ready for an emergency.
  • We are sometimes asked if residents can increase their irrigation in place of flushing hydrants. While this is possible in theory, the practical application of coordinating irrigation on private property to achieve the same volumes of water at the appropriate time is difficult.

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1. What are the city's current watering guidelines?
2. What happens if I don't follow the guidelines?
3. Can I water my landscape (i.e., trees, flowers, vegetable gardens) more than my lawn or outside the watering guidelines?
4. I have an ET controller exemption; I thought I was exempt from the watering guidelines.
5. Do commercial businesses have different guidelines than residents?
6. Why do I see gallons of water running out of a hydrant? Isn't that just wasting water?
7. Is the city running out of water? Why are the guidelines being enforced?
8. Can I do anything to keep my grass from turning blonde, given the current temperatures and watering guidelines?
9. How do I report a violation?
10. Why do I see the city still watering parks outside of the watering guidelines?
11. I have new sod, trees, flowers or bushes. Can I water them more until they are established?