PILLAR: Sustainable
AGENDA DATE: May 13, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Water Utilities Department
PRIORITY: Government Efficiency
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 49, Water and Wastewater, of the Dallas City Code by amending Section 49-1, 49-3, 49-4, 49-7, 49-8, 49-10, 49-18.3, 49-18.9, and 49-21.1; (1) amending the billing collection, metering, and conservation requirement for water and wastewater services; (2) providing a penalty not to exceed $500; (3) providing a saving clause; (4) providing a severability clause; and (5) providing an effective date - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
*In alignment with Infrastructure Maintenance.
Body
BACKGROUND
This item will authorize an ordinance for amendments to Chapter 49 of the Dallas City Code to align Dallas Water Utilities Department’s (DWU) policies and operations with the UMax billing system. The proposed amendments include updates to key definitions, billing procedures, enforcement provisions, backflow devices, and irrigation regulations to ensure the code reflects current operational practices and system capabilities.
The revisions to billing procedures provide greater clarity regarding account management, billing cycles, adjustments, and customer responsibilities. Updates to enforcement provisions strengthen DWU’s ability to address noncompliance, including delinquent accounts, unauthorized use, and violations of water use regulations. Proposed changes to irrigation regulations support improved water conservation efforts and align with existing watering restrictions and best practices. Specifically, the changes expand the current time-of-day restriction of lawn and landscape irrigation from April 1 through October 31 to the entire year. Lawn and landscape irrigation will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm year-round. Also, a defense to prosecution for watering on a day other than a designated outdoor water use day for the property address has been added to include watering of a foundation using a hand-held hose, drip irrigation device, soaker hose, or hand-held bucket. The amendments also include language related to the director’s ability to grant hardship variances for large properties (i.e. golf courses, school or business campuses, athletic fields, parks, large common areas, etc.) or newly installed landscapes not including cool-season grasses.
Collectively, these amendments are necessary to support the implementation of enhanced and more efficient billing processes, improve transparency and consistency within the code, and ensure equitable application of policies across all customer classes. The updates also enhance DWU’s ability to effectively manage water usage, promote compliance with City ordinances, and maintain reliable water and wastewater service delivery.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City; ordinance enforcement of penalty up to $500.00 may generate additional revenues to the City.