Water restrictions are back in The Colony, Texas, and staying informed could save you from hefty fines while helping your community weather the drought. With Phase 1 of the Drought Contingency Plan now in effect, residents need to adjust their watering habits and embrace smarter conservation practices.
Here’s everything you need to know about the current restrictions, plus practical tips to keep your landscape healthy while doing your part for water conservation.
The Colony has activated Phase 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan, marking the beginning of mandatory water conservation measures. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a community-wide effort to protect our water supply during challenging conditions.
Twice-Weekly Watering Schedule
Residents can water their lawns and landscapes only twice per week. This schedule helps ensure fair water distribution while maintaining enough supply for essential needs.
No-Watering Days
Watering is completely prohibited on:
Time Restrictions
Avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. These peak hours see the highest evaporation rates, making your efforts less effective and more wasteful.
Weather-Based Rules
Never water during any form of precipitation. This includes light drizzle, rain showers, or storms. Your sprinkler system should have rain sensors to automatically shut off during wet conditions.
Runoff Prevention
Water runoff onto streets or drainage areas is strictly prohibited. This waste can result in fines and contributes to water loss that benefits no one.
Water conservation isn’t just about following rules—it’s about protecting The Colony’s long-term water security. Every gallon saved today helps ensure adequate supply for drinking, cooking, and essential household needs tomorrow.
The restrictions also help maintain water pressure throughout the city. When everyone waters at different times and follows the schedule, the system works more efficiently for everyone.
Texas has faced increasingly frequent drought conditions, and municipalities like The Colony must proactively manage resources. Your compliance directly impacts how well the community can weather dry periods without moving to more restrictive phases.
Water during the early morning hours (between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.) or late evening (after 8 p.m.). These cooler temperatures reduce evaporation loss by up to 30%, making your watering more effective.
Morning watering gives plants time to absorb moisture before the heat arrives. Evening watering allows deeper soil penetration overnight. Both approaches maximize every drop you use.
Different areas of your landscape have different water needs. Create zones based on:
This targeted approach prevents overwatering grass while ensuring flower beds get adequate moisture.
Instead of light, frequent watering, give your landscape a thorough drink twice per week. This encourages deeper root growth and creates more drought-resistant plants.
Apply about one inch of water per session. Place empty tuna cans around your sprinkler coverage area to measure output accurately.
Native plants evolved in Texas conditions and naturally require less water. Consider adding:
These plants often look better during drought conditions than traditional landscape choices.
Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Mulch reduces evaporation, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
Organic mulches like wood chips or shredded bark also improve soil as they decompose. Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems to prevent pest problems.
Healthy soil retains moisture better than compacted or poor soil. Add compost annually to improve water-holding capacity and drainage.
Core aeration helps water penetrate deeper into lawn areas. Schedule this service during spring or fall for best results.
A single dripping sprinkler head can waste hundreds of gallons monthly. Walk your irrigation system weekly, looking for:
Fix problems immediately to prevent waste and potential fines.
Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and seasonal needs. These systems can reduce outdoor water use by 20-50%.
Rain sensors cost under $50 and automatically shut off sprinklers during precipitation. This simple device prevents waste and helps you comply with restrictions effortlessly.
Place buckets under downspouts to collect rainwater for container plants and garden beds. This free water source reduces your municipal usage.
Greywater from washing machines (using biodegradable soap) can water established trees and shrubs. Check local codes before implementing greywater systems.
Raise your mower height to 3-4 inches. Taller grass shades soil, reduces evaporation, and develops deeper roots. Avoid fertilizing during drought conditions, as this encourages growth that requires more water.
Overseed with drought-tolerant grass varieties during fall months. These additions will gradually create a more water-efficient lawn.
Group potted plants together to create microclimates that retain moisture. Use self-watering containers or add water-retaining crystals to potting mix.
Choose containers with drainage holes but place saucers underneath to catch excess water for reuse.
Established trees and shrubs typically survive restrictions better than grass. Focus your limited watering on newly planted items and high-value specimens.
Apply extra mulch around valuable plants and consider temporary shade cloth during extreme heat waves.
The Colony enforces water restrictions through regular monitoring and resident reports. Violations can result in:
Document your watering schedule and system maintenance to show good-faith compliance efforts. Take photos of rain sensors, timers, and any efficiency upgrades you’ve made.
The Colony offers rebates for water-efficient landscaping and irrigation upgrades. Check the city website for current programs and application procedures.
Free irrigation system evaluations help identify improvement opportunities. Schedule these assessments before peak summer months.
Attend local workshops on drought-tolerant gardening and efficient irrigation practices. Many are offered through Texas A&M Extension services and local garden clubs.
Connect with neighbors who’ve successfully transitioned to water-wise landscapes. Their experience can guide your own conservation efforts.
While The Colony currently operates under Phase 1 restrictions, conditions could worsen. Phase 2 typically includes:
Start implementing water-saving practices now to prepare for potentially stricter requirements. The habits you develop today will serve you well regardless of future restriction levels.
Water conservation works best when entire communities participate. Your neighbors are watching, and your actions influence their behavior. Demonstrate responsible water use and share successful strategies with others.
Consider joining or forming neighborhood conservation groups. These informal networks share tips, coordinate bulk purchases of efficient equipment, and create accountability for conservation goals.
Social media can spread awareness about restriction details and conservation successes. Share photos of your drought-resistant landscape or water-saving projects to inspire others.
The Colony’s water restrictions aren’t temporary inconveniences—they’re essential steps toward sustainable water management. Start implementing these changes immediately:
Every gallon you save matters. Every day you comply with restrictions helps protect The Colony’s water future. Together, we can weather this drought period while building habits that benefit our community for years to come.
Visit The Colony’s official website for the most current restriction details and sign up for alerts about changes to conservation requirements. Your proactive participation today ensures water security for tomorrow.
