Utilities Guidelines
Water Ordinance and New Billing System
Remember the ordinance guidelines: do not water your yard between 10 AM and 6 PM from April 1 to October 31, 2010.
| Do | Do not |
| Do hand water or use a soaker hose. Both are permitted at any time. | Do not water during any form of precipitation. |
| Do maintain your sprinkler system. Repair any broken, missing or misdirected sprinkler heads. | Do not allow your sprinkler system to water driveways, sidewalks, and streets. |
| Do remember that all automatic sprinkler system owners are required to have rain and freeze sensors installed. | Do not waste water by allowing runoff onto a street or other drainage area when you are watering. |
| Do remember to monitor your total water usage. If you use more than 15,000 gallons a month, you pay a surcharge on the amount above 15,000. | Do not water your yard between 10 AM and 6 PM from April 1 to October 31, 2010. Violations of outdoor guidelines can result in fines of $250 to $2,000 per incident. |
Do not forget, if you give your lawn one inch of water every five to seven days, the water will sink in and encourage the roots to grow stronger. 
Deep and infrequent watering is key to keeping your lawn healthy and your water costs under control all summer long. So here is a simple tip: place a few empty tuna cans in your yard in the pattern of your sprinkler's spray. As you water, avoid runoff by pausing to allow water to absorb if necessary. Once the tuna cans are full, your lawn has had enough. Your grass will get a good drink, and you will save money and water.
The City of Dallas is pleased to announce the implementation of a new billing system for water, sewer, sanitation, and storm water services. Its new billing system offers enhanced features in electronic bill payment, provides better management of account information, and helps serving customers better. There are a few modifications you need to be aware of:
- All customers have been assigned a new account number. No action is required on your part.
- Storm water billing will automatically allocate to the property owner of record if a leased property is tenant-free for more than 15 days.
- A newly improved web payment service is available. If you previously used this service for bill presentment and payment, you will be required to re-register at http://www.dallascityhall.com when you make your first payment.
Gas Piping Maintenance and Emergency Information
Natural gas in its raw state has no smell or color. That is why gas companies add a "rotten egg" odor to make you aware if gas is leaking. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and tell others to leave, too.
- Do not turn on or off any electric switch; this could cause a spark, igniting the gas.
- Do not use your telephone, cellular phone, garage door opener or even a flashlight.
- Do not smoke, use a lighter or strike a match.
- Do not start or stop a nearby vehicle or machinery.
- Do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.
Once safely out of the area, call Atmos Energy's toll-free emergency number, 1.866.322.8667. The company will send a trained technician to investigate. Alternatively, call 911.
Your are responsible for any natural gas piping from your meter to your house or business and on your property. Your buried gas piping should be inspected annually for leaks. A licensed plumber or qualified contractor can locate, inspect, and repair buried piping on your property. If corrosion or a dangerous condition is discovered, the piping should be repaired as soon as possible.