McKinney, TX Water Restrictions 2025

Water is a shared resource—and in North Texas, it’s a scarce one during long, hot summers. McKinney’s 2025 outdoor watering guidelines aim to protect our water supply while helping residents keep their homes and landscapes healthy. This guide explains the current rules, why they matter, and how you can comply without sacrificing curb appeal.

You’ll learn:

The specific 2025 watering restrictions in McKinney, TX
Why these rules protect our water supply and your wallet
Practical, landscape-friendly tips to stay compliant
How to set your irrigation controller for success
When to water by plant type and season

By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to keep your yard thriving—legally and efficiently.

The 2025 McKinney Watering Rules at a Glance

Here are the core guidelines you should follow:

No outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 1 to October 31
Water on your designated days: your trash day and three days later, if needed
Use short, broken-up watering cycles (often called cycle-and-soak)
Reduce each zone’s run time by about two minutes to improve efficiency

These rules apply to automatic irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers. Hand-watering with a hose and shut-off nozzle is typically allowed outside the restricted hours, but always check the city’s website for the latest updates.

Why Water Conservation Matters in McKinney

North Texas experiences hot, windy summers and intermittent drought. During peak heat, evaporation rates soar, and lawns can lose moisture fast. At the same time, demand on municipal water systems spikes as neighborhoods water landscapes, fill pools, and cool outdoor spaces. Conservation rules help by:

Cutting waste: Midday watering loses a large portion to evaporation, especially on windy days.
Protecting supply: Reduced demand during peak hours eases pressure on treatment plants and distribution systems.
Saving money: Efficient watering runs your system less, lowering your monthly bill and reducing repair needs from overwatering.
Supporting community resilience: When everyone follows the rules, the system remains stable through dry spells.

In short, these guidelines aren’t just about compliance—they’re about stewardship.

How to Water Smart and Stay Compliant

Water at the Right Time

Best window: Early morning, ideally between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Soil absorbs water better when it’s cool, and wind speeds are typically lower.
Avoid evenings in humid weather: Late-night watering can promote fungal diseases in turf and beds if humidity stays high.

Use Cycle-and-Soak (Short Cycles)

Clay-heavy North Texas soils absorb water slowly. Long run times cause water to run off sidewalks and streets. Instead:

Split run times into two or three shorter cycles
Space cycles 30–60 minutes apart to let water soak into the root zone

Example for spray zones on St. Augustine or Bermuda:

Instead of 15 minutes straight, do 3 cycles of 5 minutes each with 45 minutes between cycles

Reduce Each Zone by Two Minutes

A small reduction per zone adds up to big savings without stressing plants. If your spray zone was set for 10 minutes, trim to 8. For rotor zones, drop from 20 to 18. Keep an eye on your landscape for two weeks; if it looks healthy, you’ve found the sweet spot.

Match Watering to Plant Needs

Turfgrass (Bermuda, St. Augustine): Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep roots. Aim for 0.5–1 inch per week during peak summer, adjusting for rainfall.
Trees: Water deeply at the drip line, not at the trunk. Slow soaker hoses or drip emitters are best. Even established trees benefit from monthly deep watering in hot, dry periods.
Shrubs and perennials: Drip irrigation is ideal. Mulch helps retain moisture and reduce frequency.
Annual color beds: Use drip or micro-sprays with short cycles to avoid runoff and leaf scorch.

Use the Tuna Can Test

To measure how much water your system puts down:

Place several shallow, straight-sided containers (like tuna cans) across a zone
Run the system for your planned time
Measure depth and average it—adjust run time until you hit your target (typically around 0.5 inches per session for lawns during peak heat)

Leverage Soil Moisture and Weather-Based Controls

Rain sensors: Required in many areas; make sure yours is working and not shaded by a roof or tree.
Soil moisture sensors: Prevent watering when the soil already has enough moisture.
Smart controllers: Many connect to local weather data and adjust watering schedules automatically. Program them to honor city-restricted hours and days.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch

A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around beds and trees:

Reduces evaporation by up to 30%
Keeps roots cooler
Suppresses weeds that steal water

Refresh mulch annually for the best results.

Mow High and Sharpen Blades

Set mower height higher (around 3 inches for St. Augustine, 2–2.5 inches for Bermuda)
Taller grass shades soil and reduces water needs
Sharp blades make clean cuts, reducing stress and water demand

Fix Leaks and Improve Coverage

Inspect your irrigation system monthly during the season
Look for broken heads, tilted nozzles, misaligned rotors, and overspray onto hardscapes
Clean or replace clogged nozzles and filters
Straighten and raise heads that sit below the turf canopy
Check pressure: Mist or fogging indicates too much pressure; install a pressure regulator if needed

A well-tuned system can cut water use by 20–40% and eliminate dry spots that tempt you to run longer cycles.

Choose Water-Wise Plants

Native and adapted species thrive with less water once established:

Ornamental grasses (e.g., Gulf muhly)
Perennials like salvia, lantana, black-eyed Susan
Shrubs such as dwarf yaupon holly and Texas sage
Shade trees like live oak, cedar elm, bur oak

Group plants by water need (hydrozoning) so you can water efficiently.

Add Compost and Improve Soil

Clay soil benefits from organic matter:

Top-dress lawns with a thin layer of compost (about 1/4 inch) in spring or fall
Mix compost into beds before planting
Better soil structure improves infiltration and root growth, reducing watering frequency

Programming Your Controller: A Simple Template

Here’s a sample schedule that respects McKinney’s rules. Adjust to your designated watering days, season, plant type, and nozzle precipitation rate.

Watering days: Trash day and three days later (e.g., Monday and Thursday)
Start times: 5:00 a.m. and, if needed for cycle-and-soak, add 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Spray zones (turf): 3 cycles x 5 minutes each (reduce to 3 x 4 minutes if runoff occurs)
Rotor zones (turf): 2 cycles x 10 minutes each
Drip zones (beds/trees): 1–2 cycles x 20–40 minutes depending on emitter flow and plant maturity
Seasonal adjust: 60–70% in spring/fall, 90–100% in peak summer

Disclaimer

Water restrictions and guidelines in McKinney are subject to change based on weather conditions, supply, and local policies. Always verify the most current information by visiting the official McKinney website or contacting the city directly before adjusting your watering routines. Staying informed ensures both compliance and responsible water use.