Exceptions to enforcement.
El Paso City Code § 15.13.100
in effect15.13.100 - Exceptions to enforcement.
The following shall constitute exceptions from compliance with the provisions of this chapter:
A. The water is a result of natural events such as rain or snow;
B. The flow is a result of temporary failures or malfunctions of the water supply system;
C. The flow is a result of water used for firefighting purposes including the inspection and pressure testing of fire hydrants or the use of water for firefighting training activities;
D. The use of water is required for the control of dust or the compaction of soil as may be required by this Code;
E. The water is used to wash down areas where flammable or otherwise hazardous material has been spilled and creates a dangerous condition;
F. The water is used to prevent or abate public health, safety or accident hazards when alternate methods are not available;
G. The water is used for routine inspection or maintenance of the water supply system;
H. The water is used to facilitate construction within public right-of-way in accordance with the requirements of the city and good construction practices;
I. The use of water is permitted under the terms of a variance, permit or compliance agreement granted by the review board or the public service board;
J. The water that is used for street sweeping, sewer maintenance or other established utility and public works practices;
K. Watering contrary to the even/odd watering requirements, under Sections 15.13.020(A) and 15.13.020(B), and from the time of day watering requirements under Section 15.13.020(C), may be permissible for one day only where application of chemicals requires immediate watering to preserve an existing lawn. In cases of commercial application, a receipt from a commercial lawn treatment company indicating the date of treatment, the address of the property treated, the name and address of the commercial contractor, and the chemical treatment required shall constitute evidence that the owner or person responsible for the property is entitled to this exception. Where treatment with a noncommercial application of chemicals requires immediate watering to preserve an existing lawn, the owner or person responsible for the property must contact the water conservation department prior to the application of chemicals and provide evidence satisfactory to the water conservation manager for approval of this exception;
L. Outdoor irrigation necessary for the establishment of newly seeded or sodded turf grass and landscaping in new residential and commercial developments;
M. Plants which cannot be kept alive without daily watering may be permitted to be watered from a bucket but not from the use of a hose on the days when watering is prohibited.
(Ord. 14085 (part), 2001: Ord. 10942 § 4, 1992; Ord. 10503 § 2 (part), 1991)
Source: City of El Paso, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT15PUSE_CH15.13WACO_15.13.100EXENFetched: 10/28/2026