2025 Water Restrictions in North Richland Hills

Water is precious. In Texas, where summers can stretch on with relentless heat and minimal rainfall, every drop counts. North Richland Hills has implemented updated water restrictions for 2025, and understanding these rules isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting our community’s future.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, these restrictions affect how you care for your lawn, garden, and outdoor spaces. The good news? Following these guidelines doesn’t mean sacrificing a beautiful yard. With the right approach, you can maintain healthy landscaping while being a responsible water steward.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about North Richland Hills’ 2025 water restrictions, including specific schedules, smart watering tips, and how to keep your outdoor spaces thriving within the guidelines.

Why Water Conservation Matters More Than Ever

Texas faces ongoing challenges with water availability. Population growth, extended drought periods, and climate variability put increasing pressure on our water supplies. North Richland Hills’ conservation efforts help ensure reliable access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and essential household needs.

Water restrictions also reduce strain on the city’s infrastructure. During peak usage times, excessive demand can stress pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities. By spreading water usage throughout the week and limiting peak-hour consumption, these restrictions help maintain consistent water pressure and system reliability for everyone.

The environmental benefits extend beyond immediate conservation. Reduced water consumption means less energy needed for water treatment and distribution. It also helps preserve local water sources and maintains healthy levels in reservoirs and aquifers that serve the broader region.

Understanding the 2025 Water Restriction Schedule

North Richland Hills operates under a structured watering schedule that balances conservation with practical lawn care needs. Here’s how it works:

Residential Watering Days

Your address determines your watering schedule. Homes with addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) may water on Thursdays and Sundays. This system distributes water usage evenly across the week and prevents overwhelming the system on any single day.

Even-numbered addresses follow a similar pattern but on different days, ensuring consistent water pressure throughout the community. The alternating schedule prevents everyone from watering simultaneously while still providing adequate opportunities for lawn care.

Time Restrictions Are Critical

Timing matters as much as the day. No watering is permitted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. This restriction targets the hottest part of the day when evaporation rates peak. Water applied during these hours often evaporates before plants can absorb it, making your efforts less effective and wasteful.

The optimal watering windows are:

• Early morning (before 10 a.m.)
• Evening hours (after 6 p.m.)

Early morning watering is generally preferred because it allows plants to absorb moisture before the day’s heat intensifies. Evening watering can work well too, though some gardeners worry about prolonged moisture on leaves overnight.

Special Rules for Non-Residential Properties

Businesses, apartment complexes, parks, and other non-residential properties operate under different schedules. These larger properties typically have designated watering days that don’t overlap with residential schedules, helping balance overall water demand.

Property managers and business owners should check with the city directly to confirm their specific allowable watering days, as requirements may vary based on property type and size.

What You Can’t Do: Important Restrictions

Several activities are specifically prohibited under North Richland Hills’ water restrictions:

Monday is a no-watering day. Regardless of your address number, no sprinkler or irrigation system use is allowed on Mondays. This gives the water system a break and allows for maintenance when needed.

Rain means no watering. Common sense applies here—if it’s raining or has recently rained enough to saturate the ground, skip your scheduled watering day. Wet soil doesn’t need additional water, and adding more can actually harm plant roots and promote disease.

Check your timers after power outages. Automated sprinkler systems often reset to default settings after losing power. Always verify your timer settings after storms or power interruptions to ensure compliance with the schedule.

Smart Watering Strategies Within the Rules

Following water restrictions doesn’t mean settling for a brown lawn or wilted garden. These strategies help you maximize every drop while staying compliant:

Hand-Watering Flexibility

Handheld hoses and watering cans can be used any day of the week. This flexibility lets you spot-water stressed plants, newly planted areas, or containers that need extra attention. Hand-watering also gives you precise control over where water goes, reducing waste.

Focus hand-watering efforts on high-priority areas like new plantings, container gardens, and particularly valuable or sensitive plants. This targeted approach ensures the most important plants get adequate moisture while conserving water overall.

Drip Irrigation Advantages

Drip irrigation systems are also exempt from day-of-week restrictions. These systems deliver water directly to plant roots with minimal evaporation loss. They’re particularly effective for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and foundation plantings.

Consider installing drip irrigation in areas that need consistent moisture. While there’s an upfront investment, drip systems typically pay for themselves through water savings and improved plant health.

Mulching Makes a Difference

Mulch isn’t just decorative—it’s a conservation tool. A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around plants reduces evaporation, moderates soil temperature, and helps retain moisture between watering sessions.

Good mulch options include shredded hardwood, pine bark, compost, and grass clippings (from lawns not treated with herbicides). Avoid piling mulch against plant stems, which can promote disease and pest problems.

Maintaining Healthy Landscapes Under Restrictions

Successful landscaping within water restrictions requires some adjustments to traditional care practices:

Lawn Care Adjustments

Raise your mower blade to leave grass slightly taller. Longer grass blades shade the soil better and develop deeper root systems that access moisture more effectively. Aim for 3-4 inches for most grass types common in North Texas.

Consider overseeding with drought-tolerant grass varieties if you’re planning lawn renovations. Buffalo grass, Bermuda grass, and certain tall fescue varieties perform well with less water once established.

Plant Selection Wisdom

When adding new plants, choose species adapted to Texas conditions. Native plants and adapted varieties typically need less supplemental watering once established. They’re also better suited to local soil conditions and climate patterns.

Group plants with similar water needs together. This lets you customize watering schedules and amounts for different areas of your landscape rather than treating everything the same.

Soil Health Foundations

Healthy soil holds moisture better and supports stronger plant growth. Add compost annually to improve soil structure and water retention. Well-draining soil that holds appropriate moisture prevents both drought stress and root rot from overwatering.

Consider having your soil tested to understand its pH and nutrient levels. Proper soil conditions help plants make the most of available water and nutrients.

Technology Tools for Compliance

Modern technology can help you stay within restrictions while maintaining your landscape:

Smart Irrigation Controllers

Smart sprinkler controllers adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant needs. Many models automatically skip scheduled watering when rain is forecast or detected, helping you stay compliant effortlessly.

Look for controllers certified by the EPA’s WaterSense program. These devices can reduce outdoor water use by up to 20% while maintaining landscape health.

Weather-Based Monitoring

Free weather apps and services can help you plan watering schedules around rainfall predictions. Some apps specifically track evapotranspiration rates—the amount of water plants lose through their leaves—to help determine when supplemental watering is truly needed.

Set up rain alerts on your phone to remind you to skip scheduled watering after precipitation. This simple step prevents accidental violations and saves water.

Consequences and Community Benefits

Understanding why compliance matters helps motivate consistent adherence to the restrictions:

Enforcement and Penalties

North Richland Hills actively monitors water usage and investigates violations. First-time offenders typically receive warnings and educational materials. Repeat violations can result in fines and, in extreme cases, water service restrictions.

Most enforcement focuses on education rather than punishment. The city wants residents to succeed in conservation efforts and provides resources to help overcome challenges.

Community-Wide Benefits

When everyone participates in water conservation, the entire community benefits. Consistent water pressure, lower utility costs, and improved system reliability benefit all residents. Conservation efforts also help the city avoid costly infrastructure expansions and emergency water restrictions.

Your individual efforts contribute to broader regional conservation goals. Texas water planning relies on municipal conservation programs like North Richland Hills’ restrictions to ensure adequate supplies for future growth.

Resources for Success

North Richland Hills provides several resources to help residents succeed with water conservation:

The city’s website offers detailed information about restrictions, exemptions, and conservation tips. Educational materials help residents understand efficient watering techniques and landscape management strategies.

Consider attending local gardening workshops or master gardener programs. These educational opportunities provide hands-on learning about water-wise landscaping and can connect you with other conservation-minded residents.

Local nurseries and landscape professionals understand the restrictions and can recommend appropriate plants, irrigation systems, and care practices that work within the guidelines.

Moving Forward with Conservation

Water restrictions aren’t temporary inconveniences—they’re part of responsible community living in Texas. The skills and habits you develop while following these guidelines will serve you well regardless of future restriction levels.

Start viewing conservation as an opportunity for creativity and learning. Many residents discover that water-wise landscaping requires less maintenance while providing beautiful, resilient outdoor spaces.

Consider how you can go beyond minimum compliance. Simple changes like fixing leaks promptly, choosing efficient appliances, and practicing conservation indoors contribute to broader community goals.

Take Action Today

Understanding North Richland Hills’ water restrictions is the first step toward successful compliance. Start by identifying your watering days based on your address and setting appropriate irrigation schedules.

Walk through your landscape with conservation in mind. Note areas that might benefit from mulch, efficient irrigation, or drought-tolerant plant replacements. Small improvements made over time create significant water savings.

For the most current information about water restrictions, exemptions, and conservation programs, visit the official North Richland Hills Water Conservation page. This resource provides detailed guidelines, answers frequently asked questions, and offers updates about any changes to restrictions.

Your participation in water conservation helps ensure North Richland Hills remains a thriving community with reliable water access for generations to come. Every drop saved makes a difference, and every resident who follows the guidelines contributes to our collective success.