Dumas Enacts Stage 4 Water Restrictions Amid Ongoing Drought

Back before July 4th, we shared that the traditional mud volleyball tournament held each 4th of July was cancelled because organizers couldn't create the mud. Dumas has recently gone into Stage 3 water restrictions. Unfortunately, those restrictions were not strict enough, and Dumas announced that they would be further restricting water usage.

What Changed Under Stage 4

As of July 8, Dumas enacted Stage 4 water restrictions over the city. This isn't the first time the city has entered Stage 4 restrictions. In August 2025, Dumas was also under Stage 4 water restrictions, and within a week, it was back down to Stage 3.

The new water restrictions are as follows:

• Irrigation: Those with even-numbered addresses are allowed to water on Sundays. Those with odd-numbered addresses can water on Saturdays. You may water only from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise the next morning. Only hand-held hoses, buckets, drip irrigation, or timed sprinkler systems are allowed.
• Car Washing: You are not allowed to wash your car unless it is through a commercial car wash or service station. Those are only allowed to operate between the hours of 8pm and 12pm the following day.
• Pools and Water Amenities: You are not allowed to fill, refill, or add water to your water amenities.
• Fountains and Ponds: You cannot operate these unless they support aquatic life or have a recirculation system.
• New Water Connections: At this time, the City of Dumas will not approve any new or expanded water service applications.

What Happens If Dumas Hits Stage 5

The former stage rules are still in effect. If the city doesn't reduce daily usage by 25% in Stage 4, it will move on to the strictest tier of Stage 5 Emergency Water Shortage. This would be a ban on all irrigation and vehicle washing.

How to Report a Violation

Residents are encouraged to follow these new water restrictions or else face fines or have a device placed on their water meter to restrict flow.

If you see anyone violating these restrictions, you are encouraged to contact the Code Enforcement Department at 806-935-4101 ext. 207, arobles@dumastx.gov.

Read More: The Haunting of Dumas, Texas: Topple Turtle Brewing Co.

When Could Restrictions End

These restrictions will end once the city reduces its water demand and the Moore County groundwater storage is replenished. If everyone in the city follows the new restrictions, hopefully, it will only take a short amount of time.

Dumas isn't the only city with water restrictions. Here is a map of drought conditions in Texas.