Humble TX Water Restrictions 2025

Keeping our water supply reliable takes all of us. Humble’s 2025 Drought Contingency Plan lays out clear stages of water restrictions, with triggers based on system demand and supply stress. This guide explains each stage, what activates it, what you’re required to do, and the penalties for ignoring the rules. You’ll also find practical, everyday ways to cut use without sacrificing comfort.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to stay compliant, avoid fines, and help protect our shared water system.

What Triggers Water Restrictions in Humble?

Humble monitors water demand and system conditions daily. Restrictions increase as usage climbs toward the system’s safe distribution capacity or when supply is under stress.

Here’s how the city decides to activate stages:

• Stage 1 (Mild): Average daily use reaches about 70% of system capacity for 3 straight days (approx. 5.85 million gallons/day) or the Public Works Director sees stress on supply or delivery.
• Stage 2 (Moderate): 75% for 3 days (approx. 6.26 MGD) or confirmed stress.
• Stage 3 (Severe): 80% for 3 days (approx. 6.68 MGD) or confirmed stress.
• Stage 4 (Critical): 85% for 3 days (approx. 7.10 MGD) or confirmed stress.
• Stage 5 (Emergency): Declared when a major line break, pump/system failure, or contamination creates a water supply emergency.

When a stage ends, the city must see conditions return to normal for 3 straight days before stepping down. The city will notify residents via local media, posted signs, and the city website. Wholesale customers (City of Houston, Ramblewood MUD) are also required to cut usage.

Why Conservation Matters

• System capacity is finite. Peak demand strains pumps, storage, and pressure needed for household use and firefighting.
• Drought risk is real. Texas cycles through dry periods; planning ahead avoids last-minute emergencies.
• Savings add up. Small changes across thousands of homes can reduce demand by 5–20%—the exact targets set at each stage.
• Non-compliance is costly. Fines and potential service shutoffs hit harder than preventive steps.

Stage 1: Mild Water Shortage (Voluntary Reduction)

• Goal: 5% voluntary reduction.
• Watering schedule (voluntary):

• • Even-numbered addresses: Sunday and Thursday.
  • Odd-numbered addresses: Saturday and Wednesday.
  • Allowed times: Midnight–10 a.m. and 8 p.m.–midnight.

• City operations also follow Stage 1 limits.
• Residents are asked to cut non-essential uses (like decorative fountains and unnecessary car washing).

Practical tips for Stage 1:

• Run sprinklers no more than 1 inch/week total. Use a tuna can in the yard to measure.
• Fix leaks within 48 hours. A faucet dripping once per second wastes over 2,000 gallons/month.
• Set dishwashers and washers to “eco” and run full loads.
• Install high-efficiency showerheads (2.0 gpm or less) and faucet aerators (1.0 gpm). These are inexpensive and reduce demand immediately.

Stage 2: Moderate Water Shortage (Mandatory Reduction)

• Goal: 10% reduction.
• Lawn and landscape irrigation:

• • Days: Even addresses Sunday/Thursday; odd addresses Saturday/Wednesday.
  • Hours: Midnight–10 a.m. and 8 p.m.–midnight.
  • Exceptions: Hand-held hose, faucet-filled bucket (5 gallons or less), or drip systems may be used anytime on your watering days.

• Vehicle washing:

• • Allowed only on your watering days during the same hours and only with a bucket or a hose with a positive shutoff nozzle.
  • Anytime at commercial car washes is okay; they use recirculation systems.

• Pools:

• • Filling, refilling, or topping off allowed only on watering days and hours.

• Fountains and ponds:

• • Must be off unless they support aquatic life or have recirculation.

• Hydrant water:

• • Limited to firefighting and essential health/safety needs. Construction use requires a special permit.

• Restaurants:

• • Serve water only upon request.

• Prohibited non-essential uses:

• • Washing hard surfaces like driveways and sidewalks.
  • Building washdowns (unless for immediate fire protection).
  • Dust control with potable water.
  • Gutter flushing or letting water run into streets.
  • Failing to repair controllable leaks after notice.

How to stay compliant in Stage 2:

• Program your irrigation controller with the correct days and times now. Add a rain sensor and soil moisture sensor to prevent waste.
• Switch lawn areas to drip or micro-spray where possible; these are allowed more flexibly and use up to 50% less water than sprinklers.
• Use a pool cover. It can cut evaporation by 30–50%, reducing the need to top off on watering days.
• Keep a “wash bucket kit” in the garage (5-gallon bucket, sponge, nozzle) to make compliance easy.

Stage 3: Severe Water Shortage (Tighter Limits)

• Goal: 15% reduction.
• Stage 2 rules remain, plus:

• • Hose-end sprinklers are prohibited at all times.
  • Allowed irrigation methods: hand-held hose, hand-held buckets, drip, or permanently installed automatic sprinkler systems (on designated days/times).
  • Construction water from hydrants with special permit must stop.

Practical adjustments for Stage 3:

• Convert any hose-end sprinkler zones to drip lines for beds and foundation plantings. Drip delivers water right to roots and stays within the rules.
• If you must run an automatic system, audit it first:

• • Fix tilted heads and leaks.
  • Set cycle-soak: two shorter cycles separated by an hour to reduce runoff.
  • Water deep but less often; aim for 4–6 inches of soil moisture.

• Prioritize trees. Use a soaker hose at the dripline for 30–60 minutes on allowed days; trees are expensive to replace.

Stage 4: Critical Water Shortage (Strict Controls)

• Goal: 20% reduction.
• Stage 2 and 3 rules remain, with tighter irrigation:

• • Allowed times: 6–10 a.m. and 8 p.m.–midnight.
  • Allowed methods: hand-held hoses, hand-held buckets, or drip irrigation only.
  • Prohibited: hose-end sprinklers and permanently installed automatic sprinkler systems.

• Vehicle washing:

• • Home washing prohibited.
  • Commercial car wash use limited to 6–10 a.m. and 6–10 p.m.

• Pools:

• • Filling, refilling, or topping off is prohibited.

• Fountains and ponds:

• • Must remain off unless supporting aquatic life or using recirculation.

• New connections:

• • No approvals for new or expanded water service connections or mains while Stage 4 (or higher) is active.

How to manage Stage 4:

• Turn off your irrigation controller at the breaker to avoid accidental runs.
• Use drip for essential plant survival only, not lawn appearance.
• Reduce indoor use by 20%:

• • Two-minute shorter showers.
  • Flush only when needed (if it’s yellow, let it mellow, as a temporary measure).
  • Scrape dishes instead of pre-rinsing.
  • Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge to avoid running taps cold.

• Pool owners: use a safety cover and defer maintenance that requires water replacement.

Stage 5: Emergency Water Shortage (Absolute Restrictions)

• Goal: 20% reduction under emergency conditions.
• Supply actions:

• • The city will supplement supply via an interconnect with the City of Houston where possible.

• Demand restrictions:

• • All Stage 2–4 rules remain, plus:
  • Irrigation of landscaped areas is absolutely prohibited.
  • Vehicle washing is absolutely prohibited.
  • Expect swift enforcement to preserve water for drinking, sanitation, and firefighting.

How to prepare for Stage 5:

• Keep a small cache of bottled water for drinking and a separate supply for pets (enough for a few days).
• Stock basic sanitation supplies (hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes).
• Plan for dry landscaping survival: apply mulch 3–4 inches deep around trees and shrubs to reduce stress.
• Postpone any water-intensive home projects.

Enforcement and Penalties

Humble enforces drought rules under city code:

• Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges and fines per offense, per day.
• After three or more distinct violations, the city may disconnect water service. Reconnection requires fees and assurances of compliance.
• The city can also seek injunctions in district court for ongoing violations.

Bottom line: It’s cheaper—and easier—to comply than to risk fines or shutoff.

Variances: When You Can Request an Exception

The city manager (or designee) can grant temporary variances if:

• Not granting the variance would cause an emergency affecting health, sanitation, or fire protection, and
• Compliance is technically impossible for the duration, or
• You can implement alternative measures that achieve the same reduction.

To request a variance:

• File within five days of stage activation.
• Include your name/address, purpose of water use, the specific rule you seek relief from, how the rule harms you or others, the relief requested and timeframe, alternative measures you’ll take, and your compliance date.

Tip: Keep documentation ready (e.g., medical or safety needs, facility requirements, conservation steps you’ve already taken).

Community-Conscious Ways to Save Water Year-Round

These steps help in every stage and reduce your bill:

• Fix leaks promptly, such as dripping faucets or running toilets, to prevent water waste. 
• Install water-efficient fixtures like low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets. 
• Use native or drought-resistant plants in landscaping to minimize the need for irrigation. 
• Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. 
• Collect rainwater in barrels for outdoor use, such as gardening. 
• Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to maximize water efficiency. 
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. 

By incorporating these practices into daily routines, communities can collectively make a significant impact on conserving this vital resource.

The Role of Education in Water Conservation 

Education plays a crucial role in promoting water conservation efforts across communities. By raising awareness about the importance of water as a finite resource and teaching sustainable practices, individuals are empowered to make informed decisions. Schools, community programs, and public campaigns can all serve as platforms to educate people about the impacts of water scarcity and how small lifestyle changes can collectively create a significant difference. Nurturing a culture of responsible water use through education ensures that future generations recognize the value of this essential resource and are motivated to protect it.

The Importance of Conservation Beyond Water

While water conservation is a critical aspect of sustainability, it is equally important to recognize the need for preserving other natural resources, such as forests, soil, and energy. Forests, for instance, play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by providing habitat for countless species, regulating the climate, and producing oxygen. Educating communities about the interconnectedness of ecosystems helps foster a deeper understanding of how actions in one area can ripple through the environment. Simple measures, such as reducing waste, adopting renewable energy, and supporting reforestation efforts, contribute significantly to building a more sustainable future. Prioritizing conservation across all resources ensures a more resilient planet for generations to come.

Furthermore, promoting biodiversity is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Biodiversity not only supports ecosystem productivity but also provides essential resources like food, medicine, and raw materials. Protecting endangered species and their habitats helps preserve the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. Encouraging sustainable practices in agriculture, fishing, and forestry can mitigate human impact on the earth’s delicate ecosystems. By valuing and safeguarding biodiversity, we ensure the stability and health of the natural world, which is vital for both humanity and the environment itself.

The Importance of Conservation Efforts

Investing in conservation efforts also plays a critical role in combating climate change. Forests, wetlands, and oceans act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping regulate the planet’s climate. Protecting these ecosystems not only preserves their biodiversity but also enhances their ability to combat global warming. Additionally, conservation initiatives can promote sustainable livelihoods for communities that depend on natural resources, creating a harmonious balance between human development and environmental protection. By fostering a global commitment to conservation, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

The Importance of Conservation 

By taking decisive action to conserve our planet’s ecosystems, we ensure the long-term health and prosperity of not just the environment, but also the countless species, including humans, that rely on it. Conservation is not just a responsibility but a necessity to safeguard the Earth’s natural heritage.