City of Houston Rescinds Mandatory Watering Restrictions, Returns to Stage One of the Drought Contingency Plan

December 15, 2023

The City of Houston has rescinded Stage Two of the City's Drought Contingency Plan and returned to Stage One, effective December 14, 2023. Houston Public Works recommended returning to voluntary watering conservation efforts after increased rainfall and the drop in daily temperatures reduced the severity of drought conditions. The City Ordinance requires the mayor to sign off on lifting the mandatory watering restrictions, which occurred today.

The City of Houston will remain under Stage One of the Drought Contingency Plan since the current U.S. Drought Monitor shows the area continues to be abnormally dry.

Stage One calls for the following voluntary water conservation efforts:

• Limit outdoor watering to twice a week between the hours of 7 PM and 5 AM with the following schedule: 


• Sundays and Thursdays for single-family residential customers with even-numbered street addresses 


• Saturdays and Wednesdays for single-family residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses 


• Tuesdays and Fridays for all other customers 

Water customers are also reminded to continue everyday efforts to prevent the loss of water: 

• Check and repair water leaks, including dripping faucets and running toilets 


• Check sprinkler heads to make sure water is not spraying into the street or directly into storm drains  

These voluntary efforts will help Houston reduce water use by 5%. The public will be notified if Stage One water conservation measures have been lifted. 

Additional water conservation tips 

City of Houston’s Drought Contingency Plan