Dumas has moved to tighten water-use rules as drought conditions persist across the region, implementing Stage 2 restrictions aimed at reducing overall consumption and protecting municipal water supplies during ongoing dry weather.
The city announced the changes on April 22, noting that the measures are part of a broader effort shared by many communities across Texas to respond to worsening drought conditions. Local officials emphasized that the restrictions are designed to encourage conservation while ensuring the long-term reliability of the city’s water system.
Much of the Texas Panhandle, including the Dumas area, was classified in severe drought conditions in mid-April, according to regional drought monitoring data referenced in earlier reports. Low rainfall totals combined with elevated temperatures have contributed to declining soil moisture and increased demand on public water systems, prompting municipalities to adjust usage policies.
Under the Stage 2 framework, the city has placed new limits on outdoor irrigation. Residents may still water landscaped areas using hose-end sprinklers or automated systems, but only on specific days tied to their street address. Homes with even-numbered addresses are assigned Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for irrigation, while odd-numbered addresses are assigned Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Watering is further restricted to evening and early morning hours, beginning 30 minutes before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunrise the following day.
Hand-watering methods remain permitted at any time. Residents may use a hand-held hose, a bucket of five gallons or less, or drip irrigation systems without day or time restrictions. City officials have highlighted these methods as more efficient alternatives that reduce evaporation loss and overall water waste.
Vehicle washing is also restricted under the new rules. Washing cars, motorcycles, boats, trailers, airplanes, and similar equipment is generally prohibited except during designated watering days and within the same limited overnight and early morning window. Even when allowed, washing must be done using a hand-held bucket or a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle to reduce unnecessary water flow. Exceptions remain in place for commercial car wash facilities and service stations, which are permitted to operate normally. Additional exemptions apply to vehicles where frequent cleaning is necessary for health and safety purposes, including garbage collection vehicles and transport units for food and perishable goods.
Pool usage has also been curtailed. Filling or refilling swimming pools, wading pools, and jacuzzi-style pools is prohibited outside designated watering periods. Any allowed filling must occur during the restricted overnight and early morning window tied to assigned watering days.
Golf courses face similar restrictions, with irrigation of greens, tees, and fairways limited to designated watering days and nighttime hours. Courses that rely on non-city water sources are exempt from these restrictions. However, even for compliant facilities, irrigation time cannot be expanded beyond set limits, though adjustments may be made to accommodate tournaments or essential maintenance.
City officials say these measures are intended to balance essential water needs with responsible conservation during a prolonged dry period. The Stage 2 designation signals moderate shortage conditions, but continued drought could lead to further restrictions if regional water supplies decline further.
In addition to local conservation efforts, statewide water planning remains ongoing. Public input is currently being accepted for the draft of the 2027 Texas State Water Plan, a long-term framework that addresses water supply needs, infrastructure planning, and drought preparedness across Texas. Officials encourage residents to participate in the review process as communities like Dumas continue navigating changing water conditions.
Residents seeking more details on the restrictions or exemptions can access the city’s full drought contingency plan through official municipal resources. City leaders continue to urge voluntary conservation alongside mandatory limits as part of a coordinated effort to manage water resources responsibly during the drought season.
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