Georgetown residents are facing updated water restrictions this year as the city works to balance growing demand with sustainable water management. You can read more in the official announcement here: Georgetown to resume two-day watering schedule. Starting June 9, 2025, the city implemented a two-day-a-week watering schedule that affects how and when you can care for your lawn and garden.
These changes aren’t just bureaucratic red tape. They’re essential steps to protect our community’s water supply while ensuring the system can handle peak demand periods. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to Georgetown, understanding these restrictions will help you maintain your property while being a responsible water steward.
The New Two-Day Watering Schedule
Georgetown’s water restrictions center around a structured approach that limits irrigation to specific days while preserving system integrity (Georgetown moves to two-day watering). Here’s what you need to know:
Watering Days: You can irrigate your lawn and landscape twice per week, but the specific days depend on your address. The city typically assigns watering days based on odd/even address numbers or other geographic divisions.
Monday Prohibition: No irrigation is allowed on Mondays, regardless of your assigned watering days. The city designated Monday as a maintenance and recovery day for the water system. This pause allows water pressure to stabilize and gives utility crews time to perform essential maintenance without disrupting service.
Permitted Watering Methods: Hand-held hoses and bucket watering remain unrestricted. This exception recognizes that targeted, manual watering uses significantly less water than automatic sprinkler systems while allowing residents to care for sensitive plants or newly installed landscaping.
The timing makes sense from a resource management perspective. June marks the beginning of Georgetown’s hottest months, when water demand typically peaks due to increased irrigation needs. By implementing restrictions before the summer surge, the city can better manage supply and prevent system strain.
Why These Restrictions Matter
Georgetown’s water restrictions serve multiple critical functions that benefit the entire community. Understanding the reasoning behind these rules helps residents see them as community investments rather than inconveniences.
System Protection: Water distribution systems experience tremendous stress during peak usage periods. When everyone waters simultaneously, pressure drops can affect service quality across the network. The Monday recovery day allows the system to recharge and maintain consistent pressure citywide (learn more about local water restrictions).
Conservation Goals: Texas faces ongoing water challenges due to population growth, climate variability, and increased demand. By reducing peak usage periods, Georgetown can stretch existing water supplies further and delay the need for expensive infrastructure expansion.
Cost Management: Building new water treatment facilities and expanding distribution networks costs millions of dollars. These expenses ultimately affect utility rates for all residents. Effective conservation measures help control these costs while maintaining service quality.
Environmental Responsibility: Reduced water consumption lessens strain on local water sources and aquifers. This protection benefits the broader ecosystem and helps ensure long-term water availability for future generations.
Smart Strategies for Adapting to Restrictions
Living with water restrictions doesn’t mean sacrificing your landscape’s health or beauty. Smart planning and efficient practices can help you maintain an attractive yard while respecting conservation goals.
Optimize Your Watering Schedule
Water Early Morning: Schedule irrigation between 4 AM and 8 AM when temperatures are cooler and evaporation rates are lowest. This timing maximizes water absorption while minimizing waste.
Deep, Infrequent Watering: Instead of light daily watering, provide thorough irrigation on your assigned days. This approach encourages deep root growth and improves drought resistance.
Zone Your Irrigation: Different areas of your landscape have varying water needs. Grass typically requires more water than established shrubs, while vegetable gardens may need daily attention during growing season.
Embrace Water-Wise Landscaping
Native Plant Selection: Texas native plants evolved to thrive in local climate conditions with minimal water input. Consider adding native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs that naturally resist drought.
Mulching Benefits: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants and trees to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Good mulch options include wood chips, compost, and shredded leaves.
Soil Improvement: Healthy soil holds water more effectively than compacted or nutrient-poor earth. Add compost annually and avoid walking on wet soil to prevent compaction.
Upgrade Your Irrigation Technology
Smart Controllers: Modern irrigation controllers adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant needs. These systems can reduce water usage by 20-50% compared to traditional timers.
Drip Irrigation: For flower beds, vegetable gardens, and container plants, drip irrigation delivers water directly to root zones with minimal evaporation. This method uses 30-50% less water than overhead sprinklers.
Rain Sensors: Install rain sensors that automatically shut off irrigation systems when natural precipitation makes watering unnecessary. This simple addition prevents overwatering and reduces waste.
Hand-Watering Strategies That Work
Since hand-held hoses and bucket watering remain unrestricted, mastering these techniques can help you maintain sensitive plants and newly established landscaping.
Target Root Zones: Focus water application at the base of plants rather than wetting foliage. This approach reduces evaporation and prevents fungal diseases that thrive on wet leaves.
Use Watering Wands: Long-handled watering wands help you reach plant bases without stepping on soft soil. They also provide better water control than standard hose nozzles.
Collect Rainwater: Set up rain barrels or cisterns to capture precipitation for later use. This stored water can supplement your hand-watering efforts during dry periods.
Greywater Systems: Where permitted by local codes, greywater from laundry and bathroom sinks can irrigate ornamental plants. This recycled water reduces demand on the municipal system.
Planning for Long-Term Success
Georgetown’s water restrictions represent a shift toward more sustainable water management practices. Residents who adapt quickly will find themselves better positioned for future conservation measures.
Landscape Transitions: Consider gradually replacing high-water-use plants with drought-tolerant alternatives. This transition doesn’t require immediate wholesale changes but can happen over several growing seasons.
Maintenance Adjustments: Reduce lawn fertilization during restricted periods, as fertilized grass requires more water. Focus on soil health improvements that naturally increase drought resistance.
Community Resources: Georgetown’s water utility and extension services offer resources for water-wise landscaping, including plant recommendations and irrigation efficiency tips. Take advantage of these free educational opportunities.
Making Water Restrictions Work for You
Georgetown’s 2025 water restrictions mark an important step in sustainable community development. The two-day watering schedule, Monday prohibition, and allowance for hand watering create a balanced approach that protects the water system while accommodating residents’ landscaping needs.
Success with these restrictions comes from understanding their purpose and adapting your practices accordingly. Focus on efficient watering techniques, consider drought-resistant landscaping options, and take advantage of unrestricted hand-watering opportunities to maintain plant health.
These measures benefit everyone in Georgetown by ensuring reliable water service, controlling utility costs, and protecting our shared water resources. By working together and embracing water-wise practices, we can maintain beautiful landscapes while building a more sustainable community for the future.
Remember that water restrictions evolve based on seasonal conditions and long-term planning goals. Stay informed about updates through the city’s official communications, and consider these restrictions an opportunity to develop more efficient and environmentally responsible landscaping practices that will serve you well for years to come.
