The Irving Water Utilities Department is reminding residents and businesses to turn off automated sprinkler systems during the winter months to prevent potential hazards caused by freezing temperatures.
Leaving sprinklers on automatic settings during colder weather can lead to the formation of dangerous ice on roads and sidewalks. The Water Utilities Department advises that automated sprinklers be turned off until spring to ensure the safety of the community.
With North Texas landscapes in a dormant state during winter, trees, shrubs, and grass no longer require regular irrigation. City officials recommend operating sprinklers manually, no more than once every four to six weeks, and only when temperatures are expected to remain well above freezing. This approach helps prevent accidental activation that could contribute to icy conditions.
Irving currently enforces year-round, twice-per-week irrigation limits, with odd addresses permitted to water on Sundays and Wednesdays, and even addresses on Saturdays and Tuesdays. From November 1 to April 1, irrigation is allowed during daytime hours when temperatures are typically warmer. Residents using hose-end sprinklers are advised to drain and store hoses, sprinklers, and nozzles during this time.
To avoid warnings or fines, those choosing to irrigate their lawns and landscaping should adhere to the designated watering days and times. The Water Utilities Department emphasizes that this not only promotes safety but also helps keep water bills at a minimum.
Residents and business owners are advised to conduct a checkup on an irrigation system before use, including the rain/freeze sensor, to ensure proper operation. For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/Water-Utilities.
