Tomball residents and businesses are now under mandatory water restrictions after the city moved into Stage 2 of its drought contingency plan Aug. 4.
The city cited increased water demand and continued dry weather conditions for the change. Tomball entered Stage 1 on July 28, when residents and businesses were asked to voluntarily conserve water.
What you need to know
Under Stage 2, automatic irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers may only be used from 7 p.m.-5 a.m. on designated watering days.
Odd-numbered addresses may water Wednesdays and Saturdays, while even-numbered addresses may water Thursdays and Sundays.
Residents can still use hand-held hoses, buckets or watering cans of 5 gallons or less, and drip irrigation systems at any time.
Vehicle washing and filling or refilling swimming pools are also limited to designated watering days between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Commercial car washes and service stations are exempt from the vehicle-washing restriction.
The city is also prohibiting the use of water for ornamental fountains unless needed to support aquatic life or the fountain uses a recirculation system.
Other nonessential uses are prohibited, including washing sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and other hard surfaces; washing buildings except for fire protection; using water for dust control; and flushing gutters.
City officials said the measures are intended to conserve Tomball’s water supply while maintaining enough capacity for everyday use and fire protection.
