Not sure when you can run your sprinklers in University Park? You are not alone. Between day-of-week limits, seasonal time windows, and a few smart exemptions, the rules can feel complicated. This guide breaks it all down so you can protect your landscape, avoid citations, and keep your home sale or purchase on track. Let’s dive in.
Watering schedule
According to the city’s official guidance, the rules are clear and consistent year-round. You can review the full summary on the city’s watering restrictions page.
- Twice per week, year-round: Automatic sprinkler systems are limited to two days each week.
- Address-based days: Even numbers water on Sunday and Thursday. Odd numbers water on Saturday and Wednesday. Multi-address properties use the lowest number.
- Seasonal hours: From April 1 through October 31, do not irrigate with city water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Enforcement and violations
The City has codified these rules and adopted its Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans by reference. Violating the conservation plan or irrigation rules is an offense under the municipal code. You can review the ordinance language in the city’s code of ordinances.
If you irrigate on the wrong day, or during prohibited hours, the city can cite the violation. Continuing or repeat violations can be treated as separate offenses. For water waste and runoff, the city may issue a written notice and provide a 72-hour window to correct the issue before additional remedies are used.
Water waste rules
Do not allow excessive runoff from city water onto streets, alleys, or sidewalks. Runoff that extends more than 20 feet or enters storm drains can be treated as a nuisance subject to abatement and fines. You should also avoid operating irrigation when temperatures are at or below freezing to prevent icing hazards. These provisions are included in the city’s ordinance language.
Surcharges and drought stages
University Park’s utility code allows a monthly conservation surcharge for high usage above set thresholds. During drought stages, the council may enact a higher drought premium rate for high consumption. For the mechanism and examples of how this works, see the utility section of the code on conservation surcharges and drought premiums. Always check current utility notices for active thresholds and rates.
Exemptions you can use
The city provides several practical exemptions that give you flexibility without breaking the rules. These are summarized on the watering restrictions page.
- Any day, any time: Hand-held hoses, soaker hoses, drip irrigation, and watering cans.
- New landscaping: Automatic systems may run for up to 30 days after installation of new landscaping.
- Repairs and testing: Short test cycles are allowed to check or repair your system.
- Athletic fields: Fields used for organized sports may be irrigated to maintain player safety.
- Non-city water systems: Sprinkler systems not connected to the City potable system are not bound by the outdoor watering schedule.
Private sources and backflow
If your irrigation uses a potable source other than the city system, the code requires a reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly and proper separation and installation standards. Confirm devices meet code when you buy or sell. See the city’s requirements on backflow prevention and irrigation systems.
Everyday scenarios
Here are quick answers to common questions residents ask:
- When can you run automatic sprinklers? Follow your odd-or-even address days, keep it to twice per week, and from April through October avoid 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The rules apply year-round.
- Can you water with a hose anytime? Yes. Hand-held hoses, drip, soaker hoses, and watering cans are exempt from day and time limits.
- What about new trees, sod, or plantings? You can irrigate with your automatic system for 30 days after installation, then return to the regular schedule.
- What if a timer runs at the wrong time? The rule is about the irrigation event, not intent. Reprogram your controller and verify the schedule.
- How are multifamily or multi-address properties handled? Use the lowest street number on site to determine watering days.
- Want help right-sizing your schedule? Sign up for the Park Cities Water My Yard program to get weather-based recommendations.
Buyer and seller checklist
Use this quick checklist to keep your transaction smooth and compliant:
- Verify the property’s water source and whether the sprinkler system ties to the city potable supply. If another potable source is used, confirm a code-compliant backflow device is installed. See irrigation and backflow requirements.
- Open the irrigation controller and review each zone’s schedule. Confirm it matches the twice-weekly limit and seasonal time window. Reprogram before showings to avoid neighbor complaints. See the city’s watering restrictions.
- Pull recent water bills. Look for conservation surcharges or unusually high usage and disclose any system work, backflow tests, or notices. For surcharge mechanics, see the utility conservation surcharge section.
- For buyers, request the seller’s irrigation zone map and controller login or keys. Enroll in the Water My Yard program on day one to dial in efficient watering.
Local tools and contacts
A few go-to resources make compliance simple and save water:
- Quick reference: University Park’s watering restrictions page for days, hours, exemptions, and reporting.
- Legal details: The city’s code of ordinances for conservation rules, water waste, and enforcement.
- Drought planning: Park Cities Water’s reports page to see the adopted 2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans.
- Smart scheduling: Park Cities Water My Yard program for weather-based run times.
- Enforcement process: University Park Municipal Court for ordinance violation procedures.
- Reporting: Use the city’s online request system or call 311 to report watering violations. For park system issues, call Parks & Recreation at 214-987-5488.
Staying on top of irrigation rules protects your curb appeal and your wallet. If you are planning a move in the Park Cities, you deserve a trusted advisor who pairs neighborhood expertise with construction-savvy guidance. For clear answers and a polished plan to prep, price, and present your home, connect with Donna Hartley.
FAQs
What days can I water with automatic sprinklers in University Park?
- Even-numbered addresses water on Sunday and Thursday, odd-numbered addresses water on Saturday and Wednesday, with a maximum of two days per week.
What hours are watering prohibited during warmer months in University Park?
- From April 1 through October 31, you may not irrigate with city water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Are hand-held hoses and drip systems exempt from University Park’s schedule?
- Yes. Hand-held hoses, drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and watering cans may be used any day at any time.
How does University Park enforce irrigation violations?
- The city treats violations as offenses under the municipal code, may issue notices, and can assess fines; water waste can trigger a 72-hour correction window.
Can I water new sod or landscaping with my system?
- Yes, automatic irrigation is allowed for up to 30 days after installation of new landscaping before you must follow the regular schedule.
Do the rules apply if my irrigation uses a private well or non-city source?
- Systems not connected to the City potable water system are exempt from the outdoor watering schedule, but backflow and separation standards still apply if there is any potable connection.
How do multi-address or corner properties choose a watering day?
- Use the lowest posted street address on the property to determine the correct watering days.
