Pearland Implements Stage 1 Drought Restrictions

Pearland is asking residents to do something simple yet powerful: use water a little more wisely. The City has implemented Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan, a set of voluntary measures designed to stretch our water supply, protect system capacity, and keep our lawns, trees, and local infrastructure healthy through dry spells. These guidelines are not just checkboxes—the small choices we make at home add up to big savings across the community.

In this guide, you’ll learn what Stage 1 means, why it matters, and how you can follow the rules with easy, actionable steps. You’ll also find practical tips to reduce outdoor watering and prevent runoff from foundation watering, without sacrificing your landscape.

Key takeaways:

Water overnight and limit irrigation to two days per week.
Prevent runoff and pooling, especially from foundation watering.
Choose smart irrigation tactics that keep plants healthy and reduce waste.
Take small, consistent actions that support the entire community and system.

What Stage 1 Drought Restrictions Mean

Stage 1 restrictions in Pearland are voluntary, but the City strongly encourages residents and businesses to adopt them. The core measures are:

Limit outdoor watering between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM; water overnight instead.
Water lawns and landscapes no more than twice per week, aligned with your trash collection days when possible.
Avoid excessive runoff from foundation watering. Water should not flow down the street for 50+ feet or pool deeper than a quarter inch in streets or parking lots.

These steps are designed to reduce peak demand on the water system and increase irrigation efficiency. Overnight watering helps minimize evaporation loss. Watering twice weekly keeps landscapes healthy while cutting waste. Preventing runoff protects water quality and ensures the water you use actually benefits your property.

Why These Voluntary Measures Matter

Pearland’s water system serves a fast-growing community. During dry spells and hot periods, demand spikes—especially during the day—putting stress on infrastructure, storage capacity, and pressure. Voluntary conservation during Stage 1 helps the City avoid stricter measures later and protects service reliability for everyone, including hospitals, schools, and businesses.

There’s also an efficiency story. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that up to half of outdoor water use can be wasted due to wind, evaporation, or runoff. By simply shifting watering times and adjusting irrigation practices, you can keep the same landscape looking healthy with far less water.

Smart Watering: How to Water Overnight and Twice per Week

Watering overnight is about timing, duration, and distribution. Here’s how to do it right:

Choose the right window

Aim for early morning hours: 2:00–6:00 AM. Winds are usually lighter, temperatures are cooler, and your system’s water pressure is steadier.
Avoid evening watering that leaves foliage wet overnight, which can promote disease in some plants. Focus on soil-level watering in the early morning.

Set your schedule

Two days per week is plenty for most lawns when each cycle is tuned. If your controller allows it, pair days with your trash pickup schedule to align with City guidance.
Adjust by season. During cooler or rainy periods, drop to one day per week or pause irrigation entirely.

Use cycle-and-soak

Run shorter, repeated cycles to let water soak in. For fixed spray heads, try 6–8 minutes per zone, pause 30–45 minutes, then repeat once or twice. For rotor heads, use 12–15 minutes per cycle.
On clay-heavy soils common in parts of Texas, this method prevents runoff and gets water down to the roots.

Right amount, right place

Aim for 1 inch of water per week from rain plus irrigation for warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda. Use a tuna can or rain gauge to test how long your system takes to reach 0.5 inch per watering day.
Water the root zone, not sidewalks or streets. Adjust heads so your spray arc stays on turf and beds.

Prevent Runoff: Especially for Foundation Watering

Foundation watering helps protect your home by keeping the soil moisture more consistent, reducing expansion and contraction that can cause shifting. But it must be done carefully to avoid wasting water.

Use a soaker hose 12–18 inches from the foundation, not right against it. Set the flow low so water seeps into the soil.
Run for 15–20 minutes per section, then move the hose. If you see pooling or water flowing along the surface, reduce the flow or time.
Water in short sets and check soil moisture. You want damp—not soggy—soil to a depth of 3–4 inches.
Never allow water to form a stream in the street or pool in parking areas. If that happens, reduce duration or pressure and let the soil absorb between cycles.

Tune-Up Your Irrigation System in One Hour

A quick check can save thousands of gallons per season.

Replace broken or clogged heads. Look for tilted or sunken heads that spray into sidewalks or create mist.
Fix leaks at fittings or along lateral lines. Even a slow drip adds up over a month.
Adjust pressure. High pressure creates fine mist that blows away. Install a pressure regulator or use pressure-regulated heads (PRs) to keep pressure around manufacturer specs.
Switch to high-efficiency nozzles. Rotary nozzles apply water more slowly and evenly, reducing runoff on slopes or compacted soils.
Add a smart controller. Weather-based controllers skip watering when rain is forecast or soil moisture is adequate. Many local utilities endorse these devices because they prevent waste while protecting plant health.
Install a rain sensor or soil moisture sensor. They’re inexpensive and can disable irrigation after rainfall, preventing accidental overwatering.

Landscaping Choices That Save Water Without Sacrificing Curb Appeal

Small design choices reduce watering needs while keeping your yard looking great.

Group plants by water needs. High-water shrubs together, low-water natives in another area. This “hydrozoning” lets you water zones appropriately.
Improve soil with compost. Better soil structure holds moisture longer, reducing how often you need to water.
Mulch 2–3 inches deep around beds and trees. Mulch cuts evaporation, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
Choose drought-tolerant plants. Native and adapted species thrive with less water once established. Ask local nurseries for Pearland-friendly options such as Gulf muhly, Turk’s cap, salvia, and lantana.
Mow higher. Raise mower height to 3–4 inches for St. Augustine. Taller blades shade soil, reduce evaporation, and encourage deeper roots.

Practical Weekly Plan for Pearland Households

Here’s a simple routine you can follow while staying within Stage 1 guidance:

Sunday: Check the forecast. If rain is expected, skip a watering day.
Monday: Early morning irrigation, cycle-and-soak. Inspect for pooling or runoff. Adjust heads if you see overspray.
Wednesday: Foundation watering with a soaker hose on low flow. Short cycles, move around the perimeter, watch for runoff.
Thursday: Mulch check and spot watering for new plants using a watering wand at the base.
Saturday: Second irrigation day if needed. Use a rain gauge to confirm you’re hitting the weekly target without overwatering.

Adjust the days to match your trash pickup schedule or yard needs. The goal is consistency without excess.

Reducing Daytime Water Use Outside the Irrigation System

Irrigation isn’t the only place to save:

Car washing: Use a bucket and a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Wash on the lawn so water benefits the grass rather than running down the driveway.
Pool care: Use a pool cover to cut evaporation by 50–70%. Check for leaks around equipment.
Pressure washing: Sweep first. Reserve washing for stubborn spots to minimize water use.
Outdoor cleaning: Use a broom or blower for patios and walkways. Avoid spraying down surfaces unless necessary.

Building a Legacy of Water Stewardship

Long-term water conservation is about more than tackling temporary drought—it’s about shaping habits that create lasting value for Pearland. By embracing mindful water use year-round, we safeguard our natural resources and equip younger generations with the knowledge to protect their own future. Today’s small efforts set the stage for healthier ecosystems, lower utility costs, and a thriving community where everyone has access to the water they need. Together, we can ensure that Pearland remains a great place to live, work, and grow for decades to come.