Independent utility guide: WaterDepartmentGuide.org is not operated by or affiliated with the City of Paris, Texas. Drought stages can be activated or rescinded as water-supply, demand or infrastructure conditions change. Always check the newest City notice before relying on a watering schedule during a drought.
Paris Texas Water Department Conservation, Drought Stages & Restrictions
Paris, Texas drought & conservation guide
Know Your Watering Days Before Paris Activates Drought Restrictions
The City of Paris, Texas operates a four-stage Drought Contingency Plan. The rules become progressively stricter from voluntary conservation in Stage 1 to a complete landscape-irrigation prohibition in Stage 4.
When Stage 1 or Stage 2 rules apply, addresses ending in an even number use Sunday and Thursday watering windows; odd-numbered addresses use Wednesday and Saturday. Stage 3 cuts landscape irrigation to one morning per week and prohibits automatic sprinklers. Stage 4 stops landscape irrigation altogether.
Current-stage check: no current City announcement declaring a Stage 1–4 drought response was located in the official August 2026 City news and alert pages reviewed for this guide. Because a stage can be activated quickly, verify current City alerts before significant outdoor watering.
Start here
Paris Texas Water Department Quick Facts
100% Surface Water
The City’s conservation plan identifies Pat Mayse Lake and Lake Crook as its water-supply sources.
36 Million Gallons / Day
Paris’ water-treatment plant has a stated treatment capacity of 36 MGD.
14.5 Million Gallons
The utility profile lists 14.5 million gallons of potable storage, including 4 million gallons of elevated storage.
Once the City activates a mandatory drought stage, prohibited uses can be enforced. The 2024 revised plan is codified in Chapter 12, Article 12.06 of the Paris Code of Ordinances.
Before watering
What Drought Stage Is Paris, Texas in Right Now?
This is not a guarantee that conditions cannot change after publication. The City Manager or designee monitors water-supply and demand conditions and can initiate a stage when plan triggers are met.
Verify current status in this order
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1
Check the City homepage and notices
Look for a current drought, high-demand or water-emergency announcement.
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2
Check RAVE notifications
Paris and Lamar County use RAVE Mobile Safety for phone, text and email public notifications.
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3
Check the date on any restriction notice
An old Stage 2 or Stage 3 post does not prove that the same stage remains active today.
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4
Call the City if the status is unclear
Water Utility Billing is 903-784-9270 and Water/Sewer Distribution is 903-784-9277.
Check City news plus emergency alert resources before relying on an older restriction notice.
Address-based irrigation
Paris Watering Schedule by Street Address
Do not assume Stage 1 or Stage 2 is currently active merely because the schedule is written into the ordinance.
| Stage | Even-Numbered Address | Odd-Numbered Address | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 |
Sunday & Thursday 12 a.m.–10 a.m. 6 p.m.–12 a.m. |
Wednesday & Saturday 12 a.m.–10 a.m. 6 p.m.–12 a.m. |
Voluntary |
| Stage 2 |
Sunday & Thursday 12 a.m.–10 a.m. 6 p.m.–12 a.m. |
Wednesday & Saturday 12 a.m.–10 a.m. 6 p.m.–12 a.m. |
Mandatory |
| Stage 3 |
Thursday only 12 a.m.–10 a.m. |
Wednesday only 12 a.m.–10 a.m. |
Mandatory + restricted methods |
| Stage 4 | Not permitted | Not permitted | Landscape irrigation prohibited |
When Stage 2 is active, the ordinance permits landscape irrigation outside the scheduled sprinkler windows when water is applied by a hand-held hose with positive shutoff nozzle, faucet-filled bucket/watering can of 5 gallons or less, drip irrigation or soaker hose.
During Stage 3, watering is limited to the one listed morning per week and must use hand-held hoses, buckets, drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Hose-end sprinklers and automatic sprinkler systems are prohibited.
Exact drought framework
Paris Texas Drought Stages 1–4 Explained
Stage 1 — Mild Drought
Target: 10% reductionCustomer restrictions are voluntary.
- Even-numbered addresses: Sunday and Thursday watering windows.
- Odd-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Saturday watering windows.
- Customers are requested to reduce nonessential water use.
- City operations follow the stricter Stage 2 restrictions.
Stage 2 — Moderate Drought
Target: 20% reductionRestrictions become mandatory and violations can be penalized.
- Automatic/hose-end landscape irrigation follows the even/odd twice-weekly schedule.
- Hand watering, qualifying buckets, drip irrigation and soaker hoses receive the ordinance’s stated exception.
- Vehicle washing is limited to designated watering days/times unless conducted at qualifying commercial facilities or exempt for public health/safety.
- Pool, wading-pool and jacuzzi filling/refilling is limited to designated watering days and times.
- Decorative fountains/ponds are restricted unless necessary for aquatic life or equipped with recirculation.
- Water from hydrants is limited to authorized purposes.
- Golf-course irrigation using City water is restricted to designated watering days/times.
- Washing sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and similar hard surfaces is prohibited.
- Using water for dust control is prohibited.
- Allowing water to run or accumulate in gutters/streets is prohibited.
- Controllable leaks must be repaired after notice.
Stage 3 — Severe Drought
Target: 30% reductionStage 2 rules continue except where Stage 3 makes them stricter.
- Even address: Thursday, 12 a.m.–10 a.m.
- Odd address: Wednesday, 12 a.m.–10 a.m.
- Only hand-held hoses, buckets, drip irrigation and soaker hoses can be used for landscape watering.
- Automatic irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers are prohibited.
- Nonessential private vehicle washing is prohibited.
- Commercial carwash/service-station washing is limited to 6 a.m.–10 a.m. and 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
- Pool, wading-pool and jacuzzi filling/refilling is prohibited.
- Most decorative fountains/ponds are prohibited unless protected by an exception in the ordinance.
- New or expanded water-service connections and related facilities are suspended while Stage 3 or a higher stage remains in effect.
Stage 4 — Emergency Drought
Target: 40% reductionStage 2 and Stage 3 requirements remain in force, with additional emergency restrictions.
- Landscape irrigation is absolutely prohibited.
- Vehicle washing is absolutely prohibited.
- The City can operate elevated tank levels at lower ranges to reduce systemwide pressure while maintaining fire protection.
- Wholesale customers are directed to implement their mandatory emergency drought response.
Paris Code §12.06.038–12.06.043 contains triggers, restrictions, enforcement and variance provisions.
When stages activate
What Triggers Each Paris Drought Stage?
A stage can be triggered by lake storage, high system demand or limitations in production/distribution. The City does not have to wait for a lake threshold if infrastructure or system conditions independently justify activation.
| Stage | Combined Conservation Pool Trigger | Demand / System Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | At or below 70% | High water demand or production/distribution limitations can also trigger Stage 1. |
| Stage 2 | At or below 60% | 32 MGD for 7 consecutive days; 36 MGD for 3 consecutive days; or system limitations. |
| Stage 3 | At or below 50% | 34 MGD for 14 consecutive days; 36 MGD for 6 consecutive days; or system limitations. |
| Stage 4 | At or below 40% | 35 MGD for 21 days; 36 MGD for 9 days; major system limitations, contamination or major system outage/failure. |
Stage 4 can also be triggered by contamination, major water-main breaks, electrical failures, pump/system failures or another event causing an unprecedented loss of water-service capability.
Rules even before an emergency
What Paris Defines as Water Waste
The City’s Water Conservation Plan says wasting water is discouraged at all times and becomes prohibited when the drought contingency plan is activated.
- Failing to repair controllable irrigation leaks
- Failing to repair plumbing or pipe leaks
- Operating a sprinkler with a broken/missing head
- Using a sprinkler head that is badly out of adjustment
- Allowing irrigation water to pond from overwatering
- Allowing irrigation water to run off the property
- Landscape watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. during an activated plan
- Ignoring a City notice directing repair of a controllable leak
Check irrigation programming, damaged heads and water flowing onto pavement before leaving a system unattended.
Reduce use before restrictions tighten
Practical Water Conservation for Paris Homes
Fix Toilets First
A silent toilet leak can run continuously and is often easier to miss than a dripping faucet.
Stop Irrigation Runoff
Shorten cycles or split watering into shorter periods if water begins running from the lawn into the street.
Repair Sprinkler Heads
Broken, missing or misaligned heads are specifically identified by Paris as water waste during an activated drought plan.
Water Outside Midday
The City’s plan identifies 10 a.m.–6 p.m. landscape watering as waste during drought activation; the formal stage schedules concentrate watering overnight and in cooler periods.
Check Pool Losses
Before routinely adding water, check for leaks and remember that pool filling becomes restricted in Stage 2 and prohibited in Stage 3.
Watch Your Bill
A sudden rise in metered consumption can indicate irrigation, toilet or service-line leakage.
Fast household conservation checklist
- Repair toilet flappers and fill valves
- Repair dripping faucets
- Check irrigation after each seasonal restart
- Do not irrigate pavement
- Use drip irrigation for appropriate beds
- Use mulch to slow soil-moisture loss
- Run full laundry/dishwasher loads when practical
- Use hose shutoff nozzles
- Sweep hard surfaces instead of washing them
- Check current drought stage before pool filling or car washing
Leaks & street water
Report a Paris Water Leak or Sewer Problem
Have this information ready
- Your name
- Street address
- Telephone number
- Whether water is visibly flowing
- Exact location of visible water
- For sewer issues, where sewage is visible
- Whether sewage is in a yard or street
- Nearby intersection if exact address is unclear
Paris says hydrants may intentionally be opened to flush water lines, reduce pressure during repairs or complete annual fire-flow testing. If you are unsure, call Public Works at 903-784-9289.
City contact and reporting guidance for water and sewer problems.
Why the drought plan uses lake levels
Paris Water Supply: Pat Mayse Lake & Lake Crook
100% Surface Water
The City’s 2024 conservation plan identifies its supply as surface water from Pat Mayse Lake and Lake Crook.
36 MGD
The municipal water-treatment plant has a stated treatment capacity of 36 million gallons per day.
54 MGD
The utility profile lists 54 million gallons per day of pumping capacity.
38.12 sq. mi.
The conservation-plan utility profile lists a service area of approximately 38.12 square miles.
Paris also supplies water to two wholesale customers identified in the current conservation plan: Lamar County Water Supply District and Marvin-Jennings-Clardy Water Supply Corporation.
If Pat Mayse Lake and Lake Crook could not provide adequate supply, the drought plan states that potable water would have to be hauled by truck for residents.
Long-term conservation
Paris Water Conservation Goals
56 Residential GPCD
The City’s plan says residential use averaged approximately 56 gallons per capita per day from 2019–2023.
5-Year Goal
The plan sets a residential goal of 56 GPCD for its five-year target.
10-Year Goal
The plan sets a residential goal of 55 GPCD for its ten-year target.
The City’s plan reports that industrial use accounted for about 82% of retail metered water in 2023, which is why the City’s total gallons-per-capita figure is not a simple measure of household behavior.
Paris reports a previous five-year average water loss of approximately 9% and sets a goal of keeping system water loss at 10% or less.
Do not miss a stage change
Sign Up for Paris Water & Emergency Alerts
The City of Paris and Lamar County use RAVE Mobile Safety / Smart911 to distribute important information by phone, text and email.
City of Paris RAVE Alerts
Choose your preferred contact methods and notification types.
Need Signup Help?
The City currently lists 903-246-9246 for assistance setting up or updating a RAVE account.
The ordinance allows notification through the City website, public-service announcements, utility bill inserts, local newspaper publication and/or signs in public places.
Phone, address & hours
Paris Texas Water Department Contact Information
Water Utility Billing
120 East Kaufman Street
Paris, TX 75460
Mail:
P.O. Box 9037
Paris, TX 75461
Phone: 903-784-9270
Fax: 903-737-6951
Water Billing Office Manager: Tammy Strickland — 903-784-9310
General City/Finance hours:
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Water / Sewer Distribution
50 W. Hickory Street
Paris, TX 75460
Phone: 903-784-9277
Hours:
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Use this division for distribution-system repairs and water/sewer field issues.
Useful account details
Paris Water Billing, Deposit & New Service
$125 Deposit
The City currently lists a $125 residential deposit that must be paid before service can start.
14 Days
The water bill is due 14 days from the billing date.
$5 Penalty
After 21 days, the account is subject to a $5 penalty.
Next Day
The City states that new-service startup is scheduled for the day following the request.
Starting service
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1
Go to the City Water Office
The City’s current instructions say the applicant should come to the Water Office to request service.
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2
Bring your own valid photo ID
The City specifically requires identification belonging to the person opening the account.
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3
Pay the residential deposit
The currently listed residential deposit is $125.
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4
Receive the activation window
The City provides a two-hour timeframe for the service representative to turn on service.
Current billing, online payment, deposit and account-opening information.
Drinking-water reports
Paris Texas Water Quality Reports
Consumer Confidence Report
Paris Environmental Services publishes annual drinking-water quality reports. The City’s current page includes the 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report along with prior reports.
Water Quality Contact
Environmental Services / Water Treatment: 903-784-2464
Laboratory and environmental staff handle regulatory monitoring and bacteriological analysis.
Current Consumer Confidence Reports and drinking-water contacts.
Mandatory stages
Can Paris Fine Customers for Violating Water Restrictions?
The Paris drought ordinance says a person who knowingly or intentionally uses City water contrary to an active plan restriction can be charged with a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, be subject to a fine under the City’s general penalty provisions. Each day a violation continues can be treated as a separate offense.
The exact legal consequence depends on the active drought stage and applicable City Code. Check the current declaration and code before relying on an exception.
The drought plan includes a formal variance section for qualifying requests. A customer should not assume special circumstances automatically create an exemption; the City must approve the variance under the plan.
Common searches
Paris Texas Water Department FAQs
What are the Paris, Texas watering restrictions?
What are the watering days for even-numbered addresses in Paris?
What are the watering days for odd-numbered addresses in Paris?
Can I use an automatic sprinkler during Stage 3?
Can I water my lawn during Stage 4 in Paris?
Can I fill a swimming pool during Paris drought restrictions?
What is the Paris Texas Water Department phone number?
Where is the Paris Water Utility Billing office?
Where does Paris, Texas get its drinking water?
How will Paris notify residents when drought restrictions change?
Official resources
Paris Texas Water Department Official Sources
Drought Contingency Plan
Official Stage 1–4 triggers, restrictions, penalties and variance provisions.
Water Conservation Plan
Water supply, goals, water loss, water waste and nonessential-use rules.
Water Utility Billing
Deposit, bill due dates, online payments, office address and phone.
Water / Sewer Distribution
Leak reporting, distribution repairs and hydrant guidance.
Environmental Services
Consumer Confidence Reports and drinking-water quality contacts.
Water Production Directory
Director, treatment, environmental and production phone numbers.
RAVE Alerts
City emergency notifications by phone, text and email.
City Homepage
Check current City news and announcements before outdoor watering during dry conditions.
Texas Water Rules
The Paris conservation plan is structured to meet applicable Texas water-conservation and drought-planning requirements.