As temperatures drop across West Texas, outdoor watering rules in Lubbock change as well. The city’s winter sprinkler ordinance is designed to prevent frozen pipes, reduce water waste, avoid icy roads, and protect the municipal water system during cold weather. Whether you manage a sprinkler system for a business or occasionally water your lawn, understanding the winter restrictions can help you avoid unnecessary damage, liability for accidents, and possible fines.
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Why Lubbock Has a Winter Sprinkler Ordinance
Like any good city ordinance, this one is to hopefully prevent dangerous conditions, damage to city property (that we all pay for), and residents/ businesses from being a nuisance to others. When sprinkler systems are used during freezing temperatures, water can expand inside pipes and sprinkler heads, leading to bursts, leaks, and significant water loss. By limiting outdoor irrigation during colder months, the city reduces strain on the water system and helps homeowners avoid costly repairs.
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What the Ordinance Generally Restricts
Actually, it’s two ordinances, and here they are verbatim:
Chapter 22: Utilities 22.03.133(b)(2)(b) A person commits an offense if he knowingly or recklessly, on premises owned, leased, or managed by the person, operates a lawn or landscape irrigation system or device that:
(2) Irrigates during periods of freezing weather or during precipitation events described in section 22.03.132(a)(1)(A) or (b)(1)(A) of this division;
Chapter 39: Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 39.01.008 Minimum Requirementsb. Nuisances. No use shall otherwise be permitted which is or would reasonably be injurious to the neighborhood residents or which would interfere with the reasonable use and enjoyment of their property by reason of the emission of dust, smoke, odor, glare, noise, vibration, trash, junk, water spray, or by reason of any condition which would amount to a public nuisance at common law.
In other words, it is a violation of the ordinance to use sprinklers in freezing weather and/ or in a way that is burdensome to your neighbors.
How To Report A Violation
Violations related to these ordinances can be reported by citizens anytime using the MyLBK app found at mylubbock.us/app
Violating Lubbock’s sprinkler ordinance can lead to warnings or fines, especially if watering creates icy conditions on streets or sidewalks. More importantly, ignoring the rules can result in broken pipes, flooding, accidents, and higher water bills.
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Gallery Credit: Renee Raven