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Austin Water Utility Conservation Division

VARIANCES FROM WATERING RESTRICTIONS

In some limited situations, we may be able to grant a variance from the outdoor watering schedule. Variance forms, along with a description of the eligible circumstances, are below. Variances will not be granted for overseeding, conflicts with trash pickup, or lawn maintenance.

New Landscapes

You may apply for a variance from the City's watering restrictions if you are installing a new landscape:

  1. at the time of construction of a new house, multi-family or commercial building,
  2. as part of a governmental entity’s capital improvement project, or
  3. which alters more than one-half of an existing landscape.

Request for Variance for Irrigation of New Landscapes
Note: This variance is not appropriate for seasonal color beds or temporary grass installation (overseeding).

 

Large Properties

Properties that are too large to be watered in a single day may apply for a variance from the City's watering restrictions. A variance granted under this subsection may allow the applicant to water each section no more than two times per week, with no watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Request for Variance to Water Large Residential Properties

Request for Variance to Water Large Commercial & Multifamily Properties

 

Athletic Fields

Athletic fields may request a variance to allow the use of an automatic irrigation system between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to suppress dust on the infields prior to games. This variance does not allow for irrigation of turf areas unless incidental to the infield head/zone locations.

Athletic fields may also request a variance from the Tuesday/Friday watering schedule when these days conflict with scheduled games and would result in an unsafe or unplayable surface.

Request for Irrigation Variance for Athletic Fields - Dust Abatement

Request for Irrigation Variance for Athletic Fields - Watering Days

 

Health and Safety

Customers may request a variance to use an automatic irrigation system during the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. for health and safety reasons. This variance is particularly for, but not limited to, fertilizer or pesticide applications.

Request for Irrigation Variance for Health and Safety

 

Questions?

Many common questions about the new water use management ordinance are answered in our FAQ.

You may view the water use management ordinance and relevant utility service regulations here.

If you have other questions, please call 974-2199 or email us.

 


625 E. 10th St. Ste 615 (between I-35 and Red River)       PO Box 1088 Austin TX 78767       (512) 974-2199       Fax (512) 974-6548

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