The McKinney City Council approved changes to the city’s landscape water management regulations on July 17 that position the City of McKinney as a regional leader in water conservation efforts.
“Our city council continues to demonstrate forward-thinking leadership that is positioning McKinney as an environmental leader in North Texas,” said Public Works Executive Director Hal Cranor. “It was the right thing to do and politically courageous. McKinney is setting an example, through the use of technology and common sense, for the rest of the region when it comes to water conservation.”
Council approved a slate of amendments to the regulation that include:
Twice weekly watering.
Longer observance of the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. watering prohibition. Watering of any kind was prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from June through Sept. Under the new regulation, it will be prohibited from May through Sept.
Residents who retrofit irrigation systems with “ET” controllers that regulate watering cycles based on moisture would be exempt from the watering day restrictions. "ET" weather-based controller meeting the Smart Water Application Technologies (tm) or SWAT(tm) standards.
The ET controllers become mandatory for all new irrigation systems after Sept. 1.
Under the newly amended regulations, McKinney residents may water their yards twice weekly. Once on their normal trash pick-up days – and then again (if needed) three days later.
First Watering Day: Your Normal Trash Day
Second Watering Day: Three Days Later
City officials remind residents that the average North Texas lawn needs only one inch of water per week.
In addition, council reduced the fine amounts for violators. Previously, the maximum fine was $2000. Under the new regulations, the fines are up to $100 for first-time offenses, up to $200 for second offenses and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.The new regulations go into effect immediately.
