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1. Is the City of Tomball in a drought?

Yes, the City of Tomball, like much of the area and state is currently experiencing a prolonged period of hot, dry conditions which has led to a drought. The City of Tomball’s drought condition is implemented based on the City’s Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan, which is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

2. What are the drought stages?

Tomball’s drought stages are as follows:

Drought Stage	Drought Triggers	Watering Restrictions
Stage 1 Mild Drought Condition	Water consumption exceeds 60% of production capacity for three consecutive days	Voluntary
Stage 2 Moderate Drought Condition	Water consumption exceeds 70% of production capacity for three consecutive days	Mandatory
Stage 3 Severe Drought Condition	Water consumption exceeds 80% of production capacity for three consecutive days	Mandatory
Stage 4 Critical Drought Condition	Water consumption exceeds 90% of production capacity for three consecutive days	Mandatory
Stage 5 Emergency Water Condition	Water consumption exceeds 95% of production capacity for three consecutive days; System outages; Contamination of water supply	Mandatory

3. What is the current drought stage?

As of August 8, the City has entered a Stage 2: Moderate Drought Condition.

4. Are there watering restrictions in place?

Yes, the City of Tomball has implemented watering restrictions to conserve and manage our limited water resources effectively in accordance with the City’s adopted Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan. These restrictions aim to reduce water usage and ensure that there is enough water available for essential needs and maintaining the health of our environment.

5. What are the current watering restrictions?

The watering restrictions for Stage 2 are as follows:

• Watering with irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers is prohibited between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Watering with a bucket or watering can is permitted at any time.
• All customers must adhere to the following watering schedule:
  1. Odd Addresses (address ends in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9): Wednesdays
  2. Even Addresses (address ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8): Thursdays
• Washing of vehicles (excluding commercial car washes) and filling swimming pools prohibited between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Use of water for fountains or ponds prohibited (excluding ponds that support aquatic life).

6. How do I know which days and times I can water my lawn?

If your address ends in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), you may water on Wednesdays. If your address ends in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) you may water on Thursdays. Regardless of which is your assigned day, watering with irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers is prohibited between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., but residents may water with a bucket or watering can at any time. 

7. Are there any exemptions to the watering restrictions?

Certain exceptions may be granted if water is required for health and safety reasons or other conditions. If you believe you qualify for an exception, please contact our Public Works department to inquire about the process.

8. Can I still water my garden or plants using a bucket?

Yes, you can still hand-water your garden or plants using a bucket or watering can outside of the restricted hours. 

9. How can I maintain my lawn's health during the watering restrictions?

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office has a great tool for residents looking for guidance on lawn watering called the “Water My Yard” Program. Through this tool, residents can determine how much water their yard needs per week and receive weekly water recommendations. We encourage residents to use this free tool available through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension at https://watermyyard.org/#/Location. 

In addition, to maintain your lawn's health, consider the following tips:

• Water deeply and infrequently, promoting deeper root growth.
• Adjust your lawnmower to a higher setting to provide shade for the soil.
• Apply a layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can increase water demand.

10. What happens if I violate the watering restrictions?

Any person who violates this Plan or the associated watering restrictions is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of up to $2,000. Each day that one or more of the provisions is violated shall constitute a separate offense. If a person is convicted of three or more distinct violations of these sections, the Mayor shall, upon due notice to the customer, be authorized to discontinue water service to the premises where such violations occur. Services discontinued under such circumstances shall be restored only upon payment of a reconnection charge and any other costs incurred by the City in discontinuing service. In addition, suitable assurance must be given to the City that the same action shall not be repeated while the Drought Contingency Plan is in effect. Compliance with this Plan may also be sought through injunctive relief in the district court.

11. How long will the watering restrictions be in effect?

The duration of watering restrictions will depend on the severity of the drought and the availability of water resources. The City closely monitors water levels and weather patterns to determine when it's safe to lift or adjust the restrictions.

12. How can I stay informed about updates and changes to the watering restrictions?

We will provide updates through our official city website (tomballtx.gov), social media channels, and local news outlets. For additional questions or clarifications, please contact our Public Works Department at (281) 290-1450 or refer to our official website at https://tomballtx.gov/709/Drought-Status. Thank you for your cooperation in conserving water during this drought.