Allen city officials announced that the residential watering schedule will change in January 2027, affecting roughly one‑third of households and aiming to better manage the city’s water supply.
Director of Engineering Chris Flanigan told Allen City Council and staff that the city’s population growth and newer technology that measures water usage more accurately prompted the review, noting that existing water sources are under increasing strain.
According to the city’s presentation, watering hours for April through October will shift from the current 6 p.m.‑10 a.m. window to a new 6 p.m.‑7 a.m. window. Residents will still be able to water their yards at any time on their primary watering day from November through March.
About one‑third of households will receive a different primary watering day under the new plan. In addition, the city will continue to allow a secondary watering day each week during the April‑October period, with those secondary days also adjusted to match the new schedule.
The changes exclude hand‑held hoses, soaker hoses and drip‑irrigation zones, but foundations may still be watered at any time of day, Flanigan said.
Flanigan cited a study that predicts the reorganization could save roughly one million gallons per day at peak demand, providing a significant reduction in daily water consumption.
City staff indicated this will be the final adjustment to the watering schedule, as less than 8 % of undeveloped land remains in Allen and the plan was designed with future build‑out in mind.
Communication about the new schedule will begin in December, with staff encouraging residents to follow the guidelines even though no formal ordinance will be adopted. Flanigan emphasized the goal of “doing what’s right by the community and the resources available to us.”
Residents can find detailed information, including maps of primary and secondary watering days, on the City of Allen’s website.
Sources: communityimpact.com
