The City of Arlington water conservation program for lawns and landscapes begins Wednesday, June 1. Except for hand watering and soaker hoses, from June 1 through September 30, it is unlawful for any person to irrigate or water, or cause the irrigation or watering of any lawn or landscape between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Arlington Water Utilities Director Julie Hunt says the conservation program is part of a regional effort to help plan for Arlington’s future water supply needs and meet the requirements of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Water Development Board. With reservoir levels decreasing and water capacity below normal, the City of Arlington is asking residents and businesses to comply with city ordinances and use water wisely.

By limiting the time of day for watering landscapes, lawns and gardens, residents water during the coolest part of the day when sun and temperatures are less likely to cause evaporation. When watering in the early morning or late evening, more water will go to the grass, plants and trees. Less water will be lost to evaporation. The City of Arlington says maintaining a healthy lawn and landscape can be achieved by watering about one inch every five days. The City also recommends drought-tolerant plants, flowers, shrubs and grasses that thrive in the Texas sun.

Last spring, the Arlington City Council adopted an ordinance that not only limits outdoor watering, but requires rain and freeze sensors to be installed on all irrigation sprinkler systems. The sensors keep sprinkler systems from operating during icy weather conditions and during or immediately after rainfall. Sensors are required on all residential irrigation sprinkler systems installed on or after March 4, 2005. By next spring, March 2007, all commercial and apartment irrigation systems in the city must be equipped with rain and freeze sensors.

The City of Arlington will use several methods to check for and promote compliance with water conservation ordinances, including public education campaigns through the summer.

City officials say citations could be issued when compliance is not achieved. Last summer, the Code Enforcement Division responded to 415 reported ordinance violations. This summer, the City plans to issue citations to repeat offenders. A citation can result in a fine up to $500.