Conserving Water
Drought Contingency Plan
What is Drought Planning?
Houston Public Works is committed to securing the future of our water supply. To ensure long-term reliability, we are implementing programs and strategies focused on sustainable water use and conservation. A key part of this effort is our Drought Contingency Plan (DCP). During droughts or water shortages, all customers will be asked to reduce their water use to help balance supply and demand. The DCP outlines how we monitor our water levels, respond to potential shortages, and work closely with the community to maintain a resilient water system.
Downlaod Drought Contingency Plan (PDF)
When is the Drought Contingency Plan implemented?
The City of Houston Drought Contingency Plan is implemented during periods of higher-than-normal temperatures coupled with lower-than normal rainfall as well as other issues. Once the Drought Contingency Plan is put in place, Houston Water aims to reduce the demand as quickly as possible to avoid disruptions in the water supply.
Below is a summary of the four stages of City’s Drought Contingency Plan including the demand reduction goals per stage, the water conservation measures that must be taken to meet those goals, as well as if those measures are voluntary or mandatory.
Watering Days - During Drought Restrictions?
During drought restrictions, outdoor water use is allowed on your designated watering days as determined by your street address:
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Sundays and Thursdays for single-family residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses.
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Saturdays and Wednesdays for single-family residential customers with even-numbered street addresses.
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Tuesdays and Fridays for all other customers.
