High summer bills and dry spots in your lawn can make irrigation feel like guesswork. In The Woodlands, you also have to follow MUD watering rules that limit the days and hours you can run your system. The good news is you can stay compliant, protect your landscape, and lower your bill with a few smart upgrades and simple settings. Here is how irrigation works here and what to do next. Let’s dive in.
Who manages water here
Woodlands Water manages retail water service for the area’s MUDs, while the San Jacinto River Authority supplies wholesale water and blends groundwater with treated surface water for the Woodlands system. You can read how SJRA’s Woodlands Division uses both groundwater and Lake Conroe surface water on its system page for context on supply resilience and conservation needs. SJRA describes the Woodlands system and sources.
Groundwater conservation is part of the picture too. The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District operates in Montgomery County and shares conservation guidance and weather station data. Learn more on the LSGCD FAQ page.
The Defined Irrigation Schedule
Woodlands Water enforces a standing Defined Irrigation Schedule that limits automatic irrigation to two nights per week. Drip irrigation and hand watering with a hose and shut‑off nozzle are not limited by the schedule. You can confirm the current schedule on Woodlands Water’s irrigation Q&A.
Your watering days and hours
- For odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday 8:00 p.m.–Wednesday 6:00 a.m. and Friday 8:00 p.m.–Saturday 6:00 a.m.
- For even-numbered addresses: Wednesday 8:00 p.m.–Thursday 6:00 a.m. and Saturday 8:00 p.m.–Sunday 6:00 a.m.
- Drip and hand watering are exempt and may be done any day and time.
Drought stages and enforcement
Texas requires drought contingency plans that can tighten rules if conditions worsen. Local practice typically starts with warnings and can escalate to fines for repeat violations, so always verify the current stage and policies. For the state’s enforcement framework, see Texas Administrative Code 30 TAC 288.22.
Why conservation matters here
Woodlands Water has noted that typical monthly household use is often under about 10,000 gallons, but summer drought months can spike much higher. Those peaks usually come from outdoor watering. See local context in Woodlands Water’s drought and usage update.
Smart upgrades that work in The Woodlands
Weather-based and soil-moisture controllers
WaterSense labeled controllers use weather data or soil moisture to adjust run times and prevent overwatering. Many models can replace your current timer or act as an add-on, and they can be programmed to water only on your allowed nights. Explore WaterSense labeled controllers and soil-moisture-based controllers to see how they save water.
Drip for beds, shrubs, and trees
Spray heads waste water to wind and evaporation in planting beds. Converting beds and tree rings to drip delivers water right to the root zone and fits the local schedule since drip is exempt. Woodlands Water also offers rebates for qualifying drip and smart controller upgrades. Check current details on Woodlands Water’s drip and rebate page.
Nozzles and runoff control
If you have older fixed-spray heads on turf, consider high-efficiency rotary nozzles for better uniformity and less runoff. Then program shorter, repeat cycles to let water soak in.
A simple setup checklist
Use this quick list to get your system in shape and aligned with the local rules.
Set your controller to run only on your two permitted nights. Program end times by 6:00 a.m. so cycles finish within the window. Confirm drip zones are separated from spray zones.
Add a rain or soil-moisture sensor if you do not have one. Smart controllers with weather or soil inputs are best for preventing unnecessary cycles on wet weeks. See WaterSense controller guidance.
Convert beds and trees to drip. It saves water, improves plant health, and is eligible for local rebates. Review Woodlands Water’s drip guidance and rebate info.
Run a quick catch‑can test. Measure how much each zone applies in 10–15 minutes, then adjust runtimes toward weekly targets. Woodlands Water explains the method in its run‑time guidance.
Use cycle‑and‑soak on turf. Split longer run times into two or three short cycles per permitted night to reduce runoff on clay soils. See examples in the Woodlands Water run‑time guidance.
Group plants by water needs. Turf, shrubs, and trees should be on separate zones so you can schedule them differently.
Follow local weather recommendations. Texas A&M AgriLife’s WaterMyYard program explains weekly watering needs using local weather data and ET concepts. Learn how ET-based scheduling works in the WaterMyYard explainer.
Local rebates you can use
Woodlands Water lists rebates for certain efficient irrigation upgrades. As of the latest guidance, programs include 50 percent of purchase or installation cost up to $150 for qualifying drip systems and smart controllers or in‑home ET stations. Always confirm current amounts, eligible models, forms, and dates on Woodlands Water’s rebate page before you buy.
Utilities around the country often offer similar smart irrigation rebates, but amounts and rules vary. Use any nonlocal examples only as a benchmark, and rely on Woodlands Water for official local terms.
Protect curb appeal and value
Healthy, well‑managed landscaping supports curb appeal and helps your home show its best. Smarter irrigation also reduces the risk of runoff, soggy spots, or heat‑stressed turf before photos and showings. If you are preparing to sell, a tuned system can be a small upgrade with a visible impact.
When to call a pro
For larger fixes or a full tune‑up, look for an irrigation professional who can check pressure, repair leaks, swap inefficient nozzles, install pressure‑regulating devices, and program a smart controller correctly. WaterSense recommends asking about water‑efficiency practices and any relevant certifications. Start with a clear scope that includes separating drip from spray zones and aligning schedules to the local Defined Irrigation Schedule.
Ready to pair smart irrigation with a smart move? When you are buying or selling in The Woodlands, you deserve local guidance that factors in condition, upgrades, and curb appeal. Reach out to Abbott Homes for neighborhood‑level advice and hands‑on support.
FAQs
What are the allowed watering days in The Woodlands MUDs?
- Woodlands Water limits automatic irrigation to two nights per week by address: odd addresses Tuesday and Friday nights, even addresses Wednesday and Saturday nights, within 8:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.; see the official schedule.
Do smart controllers comply with the local schedule?
- Yes. WaterSense labeled controllers can be programmed to run only on permitted nights and adjust run times based on weather or soil moisture; see WaterSense controller guidance.
Are drip systems exempt from the schedule in The Woodlands?
- Yes. Drip irrigation and hand watering with a hose and shut‑off nozzle are exempt from the Defined Irrigation Schedule per Woodlands Water’s guidance.
What quick steps will cut outdoor water use the most?
- Convert beds to drip, install a smart controller or soil‑moisture sensor, add a rain shutoff, replace old spray heads with efficient nozzles, and use cycle‑and‑soak scheduling; see Woodlands Water’s run‑time tips.
Are there rebates for smart irrigation upgrades in The Woodlands?
- Woodlands Water lists rebates such as 50 percent up to $150 for qualifying drip systems and smart controllers; verify current details on the rebate page.
Who enforces watering rules and what happens if I violate them?
- The retail supplier and MUDs implement the schedule, and state rules require drought contingency plans with enforcement procedures that can escalate from warnings to fines; see 30 TAC 288.22.
Where can I find weekly watering guidance based on local weather?
- Texas A&M AgriLife’s WaterMyYard program explains ET-based recommendations and why weather-driven scheduling works; read the WaterMyYard overview.
