Fort Worth Considers Water Supply Cuts for Lawn Violators

City officials in Fort Worth are taking decisive action against residents and businesses that violate the city’s irrigation ordinance, which limits lawn watering to twice a week and prohibits irrigation between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those who consistently exceed these limits may face a complete cutoff of their water supply for irrigation purposes. This warning was issued by Chris Harder, the city’s water utility director, during a City Council meeting on November 4, 2025.

Despite the introduction of a new penalty system aimed at deterring overwatering, the number of violations has not decreased significantly. Harder noted that the commercial sector is the largest offender, contributing to a significant portion of Fort Worth’s water demand, which is primarily driven by irrigation and lawn care. In response, an updated ordinance is scheduled for discussion and potential approval on November 11, 2025.

Under the current violation system, the first infringement results in a warning, followed by fines of $25 for the second violation, which doubles for the third and triples for the fourth. Since the implementation of this system in March, the utility department has issued nearly 50,000 first notices of violation and collected over $400,000 in fines. However, compliance has remained insufficient to achieve the city’s conservation targets.

From March to October 20, the utility department recorded:

– **49,860** first notices of violation
– **4,233** fines of $25
– **3,055** fines of $50
– **1,757** fines of $75

Residential properties accounted for 87.6% of the first notices, while fewer than 1% of fourth notices were issued to homes. In contrast, over 500 commercial property owners received multiple warnings for repeated violations, prompting city staff to conduct 157 meetings aimed at encouraging compliance among businesses.

The proposed ordinance modification would allow the city to shut off water access for irrigation purposes to property owners who exceed the limits beyond the fourth notice. Water supply would only be restored once the relevant meters indicate compliance with the ordinance.

During discussions, Council member Elizabeth Beck raised concerns that the fines may not be substantial enough to encourage prompt corrective action. “If I want nice, lush, green grass in the middle of August, I’ll pay $75 a month for it,” she remarked. Harder acknowledged that many businesses continue to pay fines without altering their watering practices.

Looking ahead, Harder expressed confidence that the threat of losing water for irrigation will lead to better compliance. “This time next year, I should have no commercial customers in violation of the ordinance,” he stated. “Either they’re going to be in compliance this time next year or they’re going to have their water shut off.”

The city’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to conserve water resources amid ongoing concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. As the region continues to face challenges related to water supply, Fort Worth’s actions could serve as a model for other municipalities striving to balance water usage and conservation.

For further information on the proposed ordinance and its implications for residents and businesses, residents can contact the Fort Worth water utility department or attend the upcoming City Council meeting.