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Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Quick answer

Irrigation work for hire in Texas requires a TCEQ license, and larger cities require a permit for new systems. A good Dallas-Fort Worth system zones lawn and beds separately, uses drip in beds, runs short cycles on clay, and is programmed to your city's watering days and hours. Backflow assemblies must be tested by a licensed tester.

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In-ground sprinkler systems are common across Dallas-Fort Worth, and many of the systems in older neighborhoods are decades old. A well-designed, well-programmed system keeps lawns and beds alive through summer while following your city's watering rules. A neglected one wastes water, runs during rainstorms, sprays the street and can earn you a violation notice.

Texas requires licensed irrigators

Texas is stricter than many states about irrigation work. Installing, repairing or designing a landscape irrigation system for hire requires a license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Cities with more than 20,000 people are required by state law to adopt irrigation ordinances, which generally means a permit before a new system goes in and an inspection afterward. A homeowner working on their own system doesn't need a license but still has to meet state design standards and local requirements. Ask any company for its TCEQ license number and who will be on site.

Backflow prevention

Systems connected to a public water supply need a backflow prevention assembly to keep lawn water and fertilizer out of drinking water lines. Testing and repair of those assemblies must be done by a TCEQ-licensed backflow prevention assembly tester. TCEQ requires a test at installation, and many water utilities require testing on a regular schedule after that. Ask your utility what it requires.

Watering rules across the metro

Rules differ by city and can tighten during drought stages. A few examples from city sources:

  • Dallas: sprinklers no more than twice a week on assigned days, and since a 2026 ordinance update, never between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day of the year. Working rain and freeze sensors are required.
  • Fort Worth: year-round maximum of twice a week on assigned days, no watering on Mondays, and no sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Frisco: once a week on trash day in spring and fall, up to two days in summer, and no automatic sprinkler watering of lawns from November through March.

Check your own city's current schedule and set the controller to match.

Design matters on clay

Clay takes in water slowly, so long run times create runoff. Good design separates lawn and bed zones, puts drip in beds, matches heads within each zone, and uses several short cycles (cycle and soak) so water sinks in. Smart controllers that adjust to weather or soil moisture help, and EPA WaterSense labels controllers that meet its criteria. McKinney exempts systems with registered, properly working ET controllers from its watering schedule.

Common repairs

  • Broken or tilted heads from mowers and foot traffic
  • Leaking valves or lines, often seen as one soggy spot or a jump in the water bill
  • Lines broken by shifting clay or tree roots
  • Dead rain or freeze sensors, or controllers still on a summer schedule
  • Exposed backflow assemblies and pipe that need protection before hard freezes

Free checkups

Several DFW utilities, including Dallas, Fort Worth and Frisco, offer free irrigation evaluations or sprinkler checkups. They're worth doing before you pay for a redesign.

Need a new system or a repair? Request an irrigation company in Dallas-Fort Worth.

See how it works

How a sprinkler zone waters a lawn. Press the buttons to run each step and see what happens inside. Made with Colorfigures ·
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Frequently asked questions

Does a sprinkler company need a license in Texas?

Yes. Installing, repairing or designing irrigation systems for hire requires a TCEQ irrigation license. Homeowners working on their own systems are exempt from licensing but must meet state standards and local rules.

What hours can I run sprinklers in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Many cities bar sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., some year-round and some only from April through October, and most also limit the number of days. Rules differ by city and drought stage, so check your water utility.

Do I need a rain or freeze sensor?

Many cities require them. Dallas requires a working rain and freeze sensor on every automatic irrigation system, and new-system permits in other cities often require one. Ask your installer about your city's rule.

Sources and further reading

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