sas

What drought regulations? is that just for Plano?

dbj1000

Yes! And the neighbouring Richardson and Dallas counties avoided most of it!

It really sucked too. Only allowed to water one day per week (trash collection day) and only between 6pm and 9am. $2000 fine for anyone breaking the rules.

DaveC

We had the watering restrictions this summer too, but it wasn't as strict as y'alls: forbidden between 9am and 6pm but we could do it any day of the week. Last year I didn't water the grass as much as I should have. I wised up this year, especially when I saw the tell tale gap between the soil and the foundation. We've been soaker hosing throughout the summer. I also spent a lot of time adjusting sprinker heads this year. I watered the pavement a lot last summer but it really didn't grow any . Anyway, think I got away without any foundation damage despite last year's negligence, touch wood.

We don't have much grass left in our back yard after the previous owners squeezed a pool in, so we don't have sprinklers there. As I hardly watered the back yard either I suspect that some of the pool underground piping got cracked due to shifting soil. We seem to be losing water much quicker than we should be.

TruBrit

drought regulations, omg never heard of that one here maybe it's quite common

TruBrit

yep certainly here you have to keep the water on around your house for the slab etc.....wonderful construction eh

Thydney

I remember thinking that someone was having a shed built the first time I saw them lay foundations in Florida I couldn't believe they were actually for a house, no wonder they all afll over when a hurricane blows

scrubbedexpat097

It's not really because of the construction (although it can be part of the problem) it's because of the heat and drying out of the ground that causes the slab to dry out as well.

Our hoses are fairly well hidden behind the shrubs we have all around the property so it is easier to turn on the water and soak the house. We didn't have a water ban at all this year so I dont feel so guilty!

TruBrit

that's exactly how i describe them, glorified garden sheds and gerry built that's for sure

nai_in_av

In town here we had these signs up saying that the town was under "voluntary water restrictions" .......... not entirely sure what that meant, but it used to really irritate me that the town had these signs up when for a good 2 weeks (at least) they had about 10 sprinklers going constantly (day and night) on a new football (soccer) plex that they were building.

But then this is the town where instead of fixing the pot holes in the road they simply put up a sign saying "rough road".

snorkmaiden

We still have the water restrictions but we are only on Stage Two (because everyone has been good at sticking to the water restrictions apparently) so we get two designated watering days a week.

Under our regulations, a waiter in a restaurant is not allowed to give you water unless you ask for it, he can't offer it or the restaurant gets fined.

sambuc

You guys in Texas seem to be getting it really bad.

I live in Phoenix, AZ, where it is v hot and dry, but I don't know anyone who waters their, house. The grass and plants yes, but not the frickin house.

Wonder what the difference is

TRPardoe

That's why you live in Florida. The State's weather system waters your house for you.

dbj1000

Clay soil. Most parts of Texas have this damned clay soil, and while it's great for fossils, it sucks for building on. When it rains, clay swells, and when you have 10 consecutive months of drought, it shrinks a LOT.

paddingtongreen

I was intrigued by the problem, I only know of a couple of soils that do this, so i googled for soil info. and found this, it tells how to water enough to protect the foundation and slab:
click here

dbj1000

Thanks for the link. Tried to karma you, but I can't.