Fall & Winter Irrigation Restrictions Effective October 1
The City’s annual fall and winter irrigation restrictions become effective on Wednesday, October 1, 2026 and will continue through March 31, 2027. Year-round irrigation restrictions reduce the peak demand on our water system. Irrigation restrictions during the fall and winter minimize hazardous road conditions during freezing weather.
Fall & Winter Restriction
- On your scheduled watering days, irrigation is only allowed when temperatures are above 35 degrees Fahrenheit
Other Year-Round Restrictions
- Irrigate landscape only during your two assigned days per week
- Irrigation schedules are based on the last digit of the house address:
- Addresses ending in 0, 3, 4, or 9 – Monday and Thursday
- Addresses ending in 1, 5, or 6 – Tuesday and Friday
- Addresses ending in 2, 7, or 8 – Wednesday and Saturday
- Irrigate landscape without runoff
- Do not irrigate during precipitation events
- Hand watering is allowed any time of day and on any day of the week
Walter “Buzz” Pishkur, Interim Director of Water Utilities, says, “We experienced high water usage this year due to a hot and dry Spring and Summer and that trend seems to be continuing into the early fall season, but with the changing of the seasons to Fall and Winter comes a change in the City’s year-round water irrigation restrictions.”
The City of Lubbock’s Director of Code Enforcement, Stuart Walker, added, “It is important to note that it’s not just against City ordinance to run outdoor irrigation when temperatures fall below 35°F, it’s a public safety hazard and an infrastructure issue,” he explains. “Runoff from irrigating during extremely cold weather causes slick roadways and sidewalks. It also leads to potholes. When water gets into tiny crevices in the concrete or pavement, and then freezes, it expands. The expansion of the frozen water damages the City’s roadways and sidewalks. We need the help of our community to take care of our intrastructure,” says Walker. “Beyond that, it’s really just the neighborly thing to do. Don’t be that person that turns your neighborhood into an ice rink,” he concluded.
Winter Irrigation Tips
- Winterize your irrigation system and equipment before the first freeze to prevent leaks and costly repairs
- Install a rain and freeze sensor to prevent your irrigation system from running when temperatures drop below freezing
- Insulate irrigation and any above ground pipes, valves, draining pipes and backflow preventers
- Insulate pipes under your pier and beam home
If you need assistance, contact a licensed irrigator or plumber for assistance to winterize your home.