As summer temperatures heat up, the demand for water increases. On average, Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) treats and delivers nearly 400 million gallons of water every day, but as temperatures soar, daily water usage has started to surpass 600 million gallons a day. More demand for water means more stress on water resources and the water system.
As water demands increase, pipeline water pressure and flows also increase, which can result in water main breaks and leaks. That is where DWU repair crews come in. Crews work 24/7, 365 days a year to find and fix pipeline breaks. While repairs are taking place, some customers may experience brief water service interruptions. DWU crews will notify affected customers by leaving a door notice at the impacted home or business, usually before 9 p.m.
To help reduce demands on the water system during periods of extreme heat, DWU is asking residents and businesses to follow the updated City of Dallas Water Conservation Ordinance, which was revised in May 2026 to strengthen watering restrictions and encourage additional water-saving practices.
Residents and businesses can help reduce water demands and conserve water by:
- Following the Twice-Weekly Watering Schedule, which is in effect year-round.
- Adhering to the updated City of Dallas Water Conservation Ordinance, which prohibits watering with automatic irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day of the year, including your designated watering days. Previously, this restriction only applied from April 1 through October 31.
- Knowing that property foundations may be watered any day, at any time, using a hand-held hose, soaker hose, drip irrigation device or bucket.
- Ensuring automatic irrigation systems are equipped with a working rain and freeze sensor to help conserve water and prevent unnecessary irrigation.
- Requesting a free irrigation system evaluation at SaveDallasWater.com.
- Ensuring sprinkler systems have no leaks or malfunctioning heads, and preventing water runoff onto sidewalks, driveways and streets.
- Reporting any unusual water flows from private or public property by calling the City of Dallas 3-1-1 information line.
If you see a water main break, call 3-1-1 immediately. DWU crews are dispatched promptly to assess and prioritize the repair.
In addition to addressing pipeline repairs, DWU invests between $150 and $175 million every year to replace and upgrade water and wastewater mains across the city. Thanks to these efforts, water main repairs per 100 miles have dropped from 37 in FY11-12 to 20 in FY24-25 – proof that steady investment in aging infrastructure works!
This summer, as you’re dodging the heat, we appreciate your efforts to conserve water and help decrease water demand.