Drought-Resistant and Water-Friendly Landscaping for Katy Yards

HCMUD 0712026-07-29T11:47:23-05:00July 29, 2026|

As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, conserving water becomes even more important for our community. Outdoor irrigation is often the largest source of residential water use, especially in the warmer months. One of the most effective ways to reduce water consumption without sacrificing curb appeal is to incorporate drought-tolerant plants and water-efficient landscaping practices in your yard.

With a little planning, residents of HCMUD 71 can reduce their water use, protect their plants through droughts, and maintain a beautiful landscape. While you should check your specific HOA guidelines, most water-smart landscaping choices also work well with typical HOA guidelines when planned with a clean, well-maintained appearance in mind.

What plants should you choose? Texas native and adaptive plants are an excellent starting point. These plants have evolved to thrive in our climate and can handle both heat and seasonal drought conditions. Some of the most popular and visually appealing drought-tolerant choices for the Katy area include:

• Esperanza (Yellow Bells): A bright, flowering shrub that thrives in full sun and heat.
• Autumn Sage: A compact, flowering plant with red or pink blooms that attract pollinators.
• Mexican Feathergrass: A soft, ornamental grass that adds texture and survives with minimal watering.
• Lantana: A hardy, flowering groundcover available in a variety of colors.
• Texas Sage (Cenizo): A popular choice for privacy or accent hedges with purple flowers and silvery foliage.
• Yaupon Holly (dwarf or standard): A native evergreen shrub that offers structure without excessive water needs.

Incorporating mulch around flower beds, trees, and shrubs is another simple, yet effective method for retaining soil moisture and reducing the need for frequent watering. Choose hardwood mulch or shredded bark and apply it 2–3 inches deep to help insulate roots, retain water in the soil, and suppress weeds.

Another key principle of water-friendly landscaping is grouping plants with similar water needs. This practice, known as hydrozoning, allows you to water more efficiently by targeting areas with the right amount of water. You should also adjust irrigation schedules seasonally and consider installing a rain sensor on your irrigation controller to avoid unnecessary watering during rainy periods.

Before making significant changes to your front yard landscaping, we recommend checking with your HOA for specific requirements or approval procedures. Many associations have design guidelines that allow flexibility for native plants, so long as the yard remains visually cohesive and well-kept.

With just a few thoughtful plant choices and changes to your watering habits, HCMUD 71 residents can reduce outdoor water use while keeping their yards attractive and HOA-friendly.

For more ideas and region-specific plant recommendations, visit the Texas AgriLife Extension at agrilifeextension.tamu.edu, the Texas SmartScape program at www.txsmartscape.com, or consult with a local nursery or garden center familiar with Katy-area conditions.

Interested in learning more about your water usage? HCMUD 71 residents can sign up for smart water meter tools through EyeOnWater by visiting www.eyeonwater.com/signup. Through EyeOnWater, residents can see daily usage, sign up for automated leak alerts, and identify any unusual water consumption.

Drought Contingency Plan: What Triggers It and What It Means for You

HCMUD 0712026-07-22T11:36:49-05:00July 22, 2026|

Drought conditions in Southeast Texas can escalate quickly, especially during the hot summer months. While HCMUD 71 operates its own groundwater wells and monitors water supply conditions daily, residents should be aware of the District’s Drought Contingency Plan, which is available on the District’s website, at https://hcmud71.com/documents/#districtdocs.

What is a Drought Contingency Plan?

HCMUD 71 is required to create and maintain a current Drought Contingency Plan. Our Drought Contingency Plan covers the rules that the District and its customers follow during drought conditions to ensure water availability in times of high demand or reduced system capacity.

The Drought Contingency Plan outlines a series of “trigger conditions” and response stages that determine when and how water use should be limited across the District.

Triggers aren’t based on public drought declarations or rainfall levels alone. Instead they are activated when water production facilities experience high runtimes or strain that could impact reliability for residents, or when mechanical failures or other equipment issues limit the District’s water supply.

What Triggers the Plan?

The Drought Contingency Plan may be activated in three stages based on how long and how hard the District’s water system is running to meet demand:

• Stage I – Mild Drought: Triggered when the water production facilities run more than 16.8 hours per day for 5 consecutive days.
• Stage II – Moderate Drought: Triggered when runtimes exceed 21.6 hours per day for 3 consecutive days.
• Stage III – Severe Drought: Triggered when runtimes are at or near 24 hours per day, indicating critical strain on the water production facilities.

While the plan is primarily designed to respond to drought conditions and extended periods of high water demand, it may also be triggered by equipment failures, source contamination, or other emergencies that limit water availability.

What Happens When a Stage is Triggered?

When a drought stage is activated, the District will notify residents and implement targeted water reduction measures. Here's what each stage includes:

Stage I: Mild Drought (Voluntary Restrictions)

• Target: 10% water use reduction
• Residents with even-numbered addresses are asked to water outdoors only on even-numbered calendar days, and those with odd-numbered addresses are asked to water only on odd-numbered calendar days.
• Residents are requested to avoid outdoor watering between 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. – midnight, as these typically are the times of highest use when water supplies are under the most strain.

Stage II: Moderate Drought (Mandatory Restrictions)

• Target: 15% water use reduction
• Stage I rules remain in effect.
• Outdoor water use is limited to hand-held hoses with manual nozzles. No irrigation or sprinkler systems may be used.
• High-volume activities like hydrant flushing, street washing, and pool filling are discouraged.

Stage III: Severe Drought (Mandatory Restrictions)

• Target: 20%+ water use reduction
• All outdoor water use is prohibited.
• A surcharge may be applied for water usage over 10,000 gallons per month.
• The District may restrict water use for non-essential commercial activities and seek alternate sources if needed.

How Will I Be Notified?

HCMUD 71 notifies residents through various methods, such as:

• Email and text alerts (sign up at hcmud71.com/sign-up-email-text-alerts)
• Signage at neighborhood entrances
• Public notice postings or local news alerts

Each notice will include the start date, details of the restrictions, and any penalties fornoncompliance for Stage II or Stage III drought conditions. Repeat violations in Stage II or Stage III drought conditions may result in fines and/or water service disconnection.

Why This Matters

Even though HCMUD 71 operates its own wells and infrastructure, conserving water during high-demand periods is critical to:

• Avoid system strain or outages,
• Maintain safe pressure and supply for all users, and
• Ensure availability during emergency response needs.

By understanding and following the Drought Contingency Plan, residents play a key role in keeping the District’s water system operating smoothly and sustainably.