Katy’s 2025 Drought Plan: Your Complete Guide to Water Restrictions

Water shortages can hit any community without warning. In Katy, Texas, city officials have developed a comprehensive Drought Contingency Plan to protect residents from potential water crises while maintaining essential services. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, understanding these water restrictions could save you hundreds of dollars in fines and help preserve this vital resource for everyone.

This guide breaks down Katy’s four-stage drought plan, explains exactly when and how you can water your lawn, and shares practical tips to reduce your water bill while staying compliant. By the end, you’ll know how to navigate any drought stage like a pro and do your part to keep Katy’s water system strong.

Why Katy Needs a Drought Contingency Plan

Texas faces some of the most extreme weather patterns in the country. Extended heat waves, unexpected dry spells, and aging infrastructure can strain water supplies quickly. Katy’s Drought Contingency Plan follows guidelines from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and uses a step-by-step approach to reduce demand before shortages become critical.

The plan focuses on fairness and timing. Address-based watering schedules spread water demand across different days, reducing pressure on the system. Watering during cooler hours means more water reaches your plants instead of evaporating in the heat. These simple strategies help maintain reliable water service for essential needs while eliminating waste.

Recent data shows that outdoor watering accounts for up to 50% of residential water use during peak summer months. Small changes in irrigation habits can create significant system-wide relief without forcing anyone to sacrifice their landscaping investments.

Stage 1: Mild Restrictions – Building Awareness (5% Reduction Goal)

Stage 1 serves as an early warning system. The city aims to reduce overall water consumption by 5% through voluntary conservation measures and public education. Think of this stage as a gentle reminder to be more mindful about water use.

What’s Expected in Stage 1:

Voluntary watering schedule: Water landscapes only during 12 a.m.–8 a.m. and 8 p.m.–11:59 p.m.
Leak repairs: Fix dripping faucets, running toilets, and sprinkler system problems promptly
Pool management: Avoid draining and refilling pools; add water only to replace normal evaporation
Vehicle washing: Reduce frequency of washing cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles at home

The city also reduces its own water use during Stage 1 by cutting back on street cleaning, limiting ornamental fountain operation, and reducing irrigation for city-maintained landscapes.

Simple Steps for Stage 1 Compliance:

Install hose-end shutoff nozzles to prevent water waste when you set tools down. Adjust your sprinkler controller to water only during early morning hours and reduce run times by 10-15%. Check for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank—if color appears in the bowl without flushing, replace the flapper.

These small voluntary actions add up quickly across thousands of households. Early conservation efforts often prevent the need for stricter restrictions later.

Stage 2: Moderate Restrictions – Structured Conservation (10% Reduction Goal)

Stage 2 introduces mandatory watering schedules and tighter limits on nonessential water use. The city targets a 10% reduction in overall consumption through consistent rules that apply to everyone.

Watering Schedule for Stage 2:

Even addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Odd addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Commercial/HOA/Greenspace: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Time windows: 12 a.m.–8 a.m. and 8 p.m.–11:59 p.m. only

Additional Stage 2 Measures:

Limited power washing of driveways, sidewalks, and buildings
Delayed installation of new landscaping until conditions improve
Suspended city hydrant flushing except for emergency repairs
Reduced operation of ornamental fountains and decorative water features

Compliance Tips for Stage 2:

Program your irrigation controller to water only on assigned days within allowed time windows. If you start watering at 11:45 p.m., you must stop by 11:59 p.m. to avoid watering on a restricted day.

Use the cycle-and-soak method for clay soils common in the Katy area. Split longer watering cycles into two shorter sessions with a break in between. This reduces runoff and improves soil absorption, making every drop count.

Add rain sensors or soil moisture sensors to your sprinkler system. These inexpensive devices automatically skip watering cycles when your yard doesn’t need additional water.

Stage 3: Severe Restrictions – Mandatory Measures (15% Reduction Goal)

Stage 3 activates during serious drought conditions when water supplies face significant stress. The city mandates a 15% reduction in consumption through strict watering limits and prohibited uses.

Watering Schedule for Stage 3:

Even addresses: Sunday and Thursday only
Odd addresses: Saturday and Wednesday only
Commercial/HOA/Greenspace: Tuesday and Friday only
Monday: No watering allowed (storage recovery day)
Time windows: Still limited to 12 a.m.–8 a.m. and 8 p.m.–11:59 p.m.

Stage 3 Prohibitions:

Hosing down paved areas, buildings, windows, or hard surfaces
Operating ornamental fountains or decorative water features
Washing vehicles with a hose at residential properties
Using water in ways that cause runoff or obvious waste
Draining and refilling existing pools or filling new pools
Installing new landscaping or establishing new gardens

Enforcement and Penalties:

Stage 3 carries real consequences for violations. The first offense results in a written warning. Second and subsequent violations can result in citations ranging from $100 to $2,000 per incident. The city may also disconnect water service, subject to an appeals process.

Residents can report violations by emailing droughtviolations@cityofkaty.com or calling Public Works at 281-391-4820. Include the address, date, time, and photos or videos if possible.

Staying Compliant in Stage 3:

Check your address’s last digit and set calendar reminders for your assigned watering days. If you miss a scheduled watering day, you must wait until your next assigned day—no makeup sessions allowed.

Switch to spot-watering with a hose and shutoff nozzle for flower beds and critical plants. This method uses less water than sprinkler systems and gives you precise control over application.

Focus on established trees and shrubs that provide the most landscape value. Allow nonessential turf areas to go dormant during peak heat—most grass types will recover when conditions improve.

Stage 4: Emergency Restrictions – Crisis Response (20%+ Reduction Goal)

Stage 4 represents the most restrictive water use measures. When supply faces immediate threats or infrastructure requires emergency protection, the city implements one-day-per-week watering schedules and severe limits on all nonessential uses.

One-Day Watering Schedule for Stage 4:

Addresses ending in 1 or 3: Tuesday only
Addresses ending in 0 or 2: Wednesday only
Addresses ending in 5 or 7: Thursday only
Addresses ending in 4 or 6: Friday only
Addresses ending in 8 or 9: Saturday only
Commercial/HOA/Greenspace: Sunday only
Monday: No watering (storage recovery day)

Stage 4 Additional Restrictions:

Vehicle washing prohibited except for health, safety, or sanitation needs
No filling of private pools; commercial pools limited to replacing operational losses
Commercial water users must reduce consumption by city-specified percentages
Stricter enforcement with higher fines starting at $200 for repeat violations

Emergency measures may seem extreme, but they prevent complete system failure and ensure water remains available for drinking, cooking, and essential sanitation needs.

Practical Water-Saving Strategies That Work

Indoor Conservation (50-60% of household use):

Fix leaks immediately. A running toilet can waste over 200 gallons daily. Replace worn flappers, fill valves, and bathroom fixtures promptly.

Install WaterSense fixtures. High-efficiency showerheads using 2.0 gallons per minute or less maintain good pressure while cutting consumption. Low-flow bathroom faucets (1.2 gpm) work similarly.

Modify daily habits. Reduce shower time by two minutes to save 4-10 gallons per person. Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads—they use similar water amounts whether half-full or completely full.

Outdoor Conservation (the biggest impact):

Water deeply, not frequently. Most Katy-area grass types thrive with one inch of water per week, split across allowed watering days. Use a tuna can to measure your sprinkler output.

Raise mower blades. Cut grass to 3-4 inches high. Taller grass shades soil and reduces evaporation by up to 30% while developing deeper, more drought-resistant root systems.

Apply mulch properly. Maintain 2-3 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Quality mulch reduces evaporation, suppresses weeds, and helps soil retain moisture longer.

Upgrade to drip irrigation. Convert spray zones serving flower beds and shrub areas to drip systems. Drip irrigation can reduce water use by 50% while delivering water directly to plant roots.

Eliminate overspray. Adjust sprinkler heads so you’re not watering sidewalks, driveways, or streets. This runoff wastes water and violates restrictions during higher drought stages.

Pool and Outdoor Living Areas:

Use pool covers. Quality covers reduce evaporation by up to 70%, saving thousands of gallons monthly while keeping debris out and reducing chemical needs.

Sweep instead of spray. Use brooms for patios, driveways, and walkways. Hosing down these areas becomes prohibited during Stage 3 and higher restrictions.

Top off efficiently. When pool topping is allowed, use low-flow settings and stop immediately when water reaches the skimmer line.

Smart Irrigation Controller Setup

Modern irrigation controllers offer features that make compliance easier while protecting your landscape investment. Here’s how to optimize your system:

Program your allowed days based on your address’s last digit. Double-check the current drought stage and corresponding schedule.

Set proper time windows within the 12 a.m.–8 a.m. and 8 p.m.–11:59 p.m. restrictions. Early morning watering typically produces better results than evening sessions.

Enable smart features. Use rain sensors and soil moisture sensors to automatically skip unnecessary watering cycles. These devices prevent violations and save money.

Adjust run times seasonally. Reduce watering duration by 10-20% during active drought stages. Use cycle-and-soak programming for clay soils to improve absorption and prevent runoff.

Create separate programs for different plant types. Group high-water plants together and reduce or eliminate watering for drought-tolerant areas.

The Community Impact of Individual Actions

Every resident’s conservation efforts contribute to system-wide stability. When thousands of households follow watering schedules and eliminate waste, the cumulative effect prevents emergency shortages and keeps water affordable for everyone.

Compliance also protects property values. Neighborhoods that maintain attractive landscapes during drought restrictions through smart conservation practices often see better home sale prices and community appeal.

Beyond immediate benefits, conservation habits developed during drought restrictions often become permanent lifestyle changes. Many families discover they can maintain healthy landscapes while significantly reducing monthly water bills.

Landscaping for Long-Term Water Efficiency

Smart plant selection reduces future water needs regardless of drought conditions. Native Texas plants and drought-tolerant species require less irrigation once established, saving money and effort over time.

High-efficiency choices for Katy:

Grasses: Buffalo grass, Bermuda grass, Zoysia (all need less water than St. Augustine)
Shrubs: Rosemary, lavender, Texas sage, yaupon holly
Trees: Live oak, red oak, cedar elm (all Texas natives)
Perennials: Turk’s cap, flame acanthus, autumn sage

Group plants by water needs to avoid overwatering low-maintenance areas. Place high-water plants near downspouts or in areas that receive natural irrigation from air conditioning condensation.

Resources and Support

The City of Katy provides several resources to help residents navigate drought restrictions successfully:

Reporting and Information:

Drought violations: droughtviolations@cityofkaty.com
General questions: publicworksinfo@cityofkaty.com
Public Works: 281-391-4820

Online Resources:

Current drought stage updates on the city website
Detailed watering schedules and restriction lists
Water conservation tips and rebate programs

Professional Help:

Certified irrigation technicians can optimize sprinkler systems
Local nurseries offer drought-tolerant plant recommendations
Soil testing services help determine proper watering needs

Taking Action Today

Start preparing for drought restrictions before they’re needed. Audit your current water use, fix obvious leaks, and familiarize yourself with your address’s watering schedule for each stage.

Consider this an investment in your community’s resilience. Water conservation protects everyone’s access to this essential resource while keeping monthly bills manageable and maintaining the quality of life that makes Katy a great place to call home.

Small changes in daily habits, combined with community-wide participation, create powerful results. Your efforts matter—not just for your household, but for the entire Katy community’s water security and future growth.