Fort Worth may begin shutting off irrigation water to repeat violators of its lawn-watering ordinance, according to a Nov. 4 briefing by utility director Chris Harder, Fort Worth Report reported. The proposal, up for City Council vote Nov. 11, follows warnings and $25-$75 fines under rules that limit watering to twice weekly and prohibit irrigation between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Officials cited ongoing noncompliance, especially among commercial properties — over 500 reached a fourth violation despite 157 business meetings and multiple notices.
The DX Brief
- March–Oct. 20: 49,860 first notices | 4,233 $25 fines | 3,055 $50 fines | 1,757 $75 fines
- 500+ commercial sites exceeded a fourth violation
- Proposed ordinance: shut off irrigation water for repeat offenders; service restored after meter verification
- City concern: businesses paid fines without changing use; council member questioned low penalties
- Utility outlook: expects near-full commercial compliance or shutoffs in 2026
Read the full article at Fort Worth Report