PILLAR: Sustainable
AGENDA DATE: May 13, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Water Utilities Department
PRIORITY: Government Efficiency
______________________________________________________________________
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 ...
Click here for full text