Find answers to common questions about Stage 4 drought conditions and water restrictions in Beeville. Learn who is affected, when and how you can water, rules for pools and vehicle washing, and consequences for violations.
Updated August 27, 2026
The City of Beeville remains under Stage 4 – Emergency Water Shortage Condition.
The City has amended certain Stage 4 water-use restrictions to provide residents with additional flexibility while continuing to conserve water. Only the specific provisions identified below have been amended. All other Stage 4 restrictions remain in full force and effect
Stage 4 represents an Emergency Water Shortage Condition under the City of Beeville's Drought Contingency Plan. Stage 4 requires mandatory water-conservation measures to protect the City's available water supply and ensure water remains available for essential needs.
The City remains under Stage 4 even though certain restrictions have recently been amended.
Stage 4 water restrictions apply to everyone who uses water provided by the City of Beeville. This includes residential households, multi-family properties, commercial businesses, industrial users, and wholesale water customers.
Beeville residents have successfully met the water-conservation demands established under the City's Drought Contingency Plan. Because of the community's conservation efforts, the City is able to provide additional flexibility for certain water uses.
Recent rainfall and floodwaters originating in the Texas Hill Country have also provided significant inflows into the regional water supply system, improving current water supply conditions.
Current regional lake levels are approximately:
- Lake Corpus Christi: 90% full
- Choke Canyon Reservoir: 23.6% full
The City is also continuing efforts to establish a secondary water source, including drilling a new water well and rehabilitating two existing wells.
The City has amended certain Stage 4 water-use restrictions involving:
- Lawn and landscape irrigation systems
- Hand watering and drip irrigation
- Foundation watering
- Food gardens
- Residential vehicle washing
- Swimming pools and jacuzzis
- Water fountains and ornamental water features
These amendments provide additional flexibility for these specific uses. All other Stage 4 water restrictions remain in full force and effect.
No. The City of Beeville remains under Stage 4 – Emergency Water Shortage Condition.
The August 27 amendments modify only specific water-use restrictions. They do not end Stage 4. All other Stage 4 restrictions remain in effect.
No. There are currently no active surcharges for water usage.
Yes.Stage 4 represents an Emergency Water Shortage Condition under the City of Beeville's Drought Contingency Plan. It is the City's highest emergency water-shortage stage and requires mandatory water-conservation measures to protect the City's water supply.
Violating drought restrictions is a Class C misdemeanor and may result in fines of up to $500 per day. A second offense at the same premises may result in City of Beeville Utilities disconnecting water service.
Yes, but there are specific watering schedules and methods you must follow.
Watering lawns and landscaped areas with an irrigation system or sprinkler is allowed once every other week on your designated watering day, before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. [Check your designated watering schedule here.] Beeville Recycling Schedule
Watering with a handheld hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle, a five-gallon-or-smaller bucket, a watering can, or a drip irrigation system is allowed any day before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
You may water these areas using either an irrigation/sprinkler system or approved hand-watering/drip-irrigation methods, subject to the following requirements:
Sprinkler and irrigation systems
Irrigation and sprinkler systems may be used once every other week on your designated recycling pickup day.
Sprinkler and irrigation watering must occur before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
Hand watering and drip irrigation
Lawns, landscapes, foundations, and food gardens may be watered any day of the week using:
- A handheld hose with a shutoff nozzle
- A five-gallon bucket or smaller
- A watering can
- A drip irrigation system
Hand watering and drip irrigation must occur before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
In short:
- Sprinkler/irrigation system: Every other week on your recycling pickup day
- Hand watering/drip irrigation: Any day of the week
- Watering hours: Before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m
Yes. Potted plants may be watered any day of the week before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
Watering should be done using a handheld hose with a shutoff nozzle, a five-gallon bucket or smaller, a watering can, or an approved drip irrigation system.
Your designated recycling pickup day determines when you may use an irrigation or sprinkler system under the amended Stage 4 restrictions.
Irrigation and sprinkler systems may be used once every other week on your designated recycling pickup day, before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
If you are unsure of your designated recycling pickup day, please refer to the City's recycling schedule or contact the City for assistance.
Yes. Swimming pools and jacuzzis may be replenished as necessary to maintain structural integrity.
Swimming pools must remain covered when not in use to reduce evaporation. This requirement also applies to hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments.
Yes. Water fountains and ornamental water features may be operated only as necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the fountain or water feature.
Yes. Vehicle washing at home is permitted on any day when using a handheld hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle or a bucket of five gallons or less.
Commercial car washes may also be used as usual.
Yes. Certain water uses may qualify for an exemption or temporary variance from the Stage 4 water restrictions.
Exemptions or temporary variances may be available for certain circumstances, including new plantings, vegetable gardens, athletic fields, botanical gardens, and auxiliary water users, as provided under the City's water-conservation requirements.
Requests for a temporary variance or exemption must meet the City's applicable requirements and approval process.
Water used for irrigation from a private water well or an aerobic septic system is exempt from the City's water restrictions.
Private wells used for irrigation must comply with the City's applicable registration and identification requirements.
Yes, Industrial customers remain subject to the applicable Stage 4 water-use requirements established by the City's Drought Contingency Plan. Certain industrial customers may qualify for a Drought Surcharge Exemption, subject to the City's applicable requirements and fees.
Large-volume industrial accounts must comply with Stage 4 restrictions unless they voluntarily pay the Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee of $0.31 per 1,000 gallons per month. Industrial customers enrolled in this program are exempt from Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 curtailments and individual surcharges.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to continue using water responsibly and avoid unnecessary water use. Simple conservation practices include:
- Repair leaks promptly.
- Turn off faucets when water is not needed.
- Avoid unnecessary outdoor water use.
- Use water-efficient fixtures and appliances when possible.
- Follow all applicable Stage 4 water restrictions.
The City thanks residents and businesses for their continued cooperation and conservation efforts. Every drop matters.
The City of Beeville will provide updates to Stage 4 water restrictions through its official communications and website.
Residents and businesses should check the City's website for the most current information regarding water restrictions, amendments, schedules, and conservation requirements.
Beeville WAT3R Initiative Page
If you have questions about a specific water use or whether a particular situation is permitted, please contact the City of Beeville 361-358-4641.