Last Thursday, the North Texas Municipal Water District board of directors voted to adjust the Stage 3 Enhanced water conservation provisions, so now Dallas residents and business owners can water outdoors more frequently.

The NTMWD's Water Conservation and Drought Contingency/Water Emergency Response Plan, which was implemented in January because of the water issues caused by the drought, has been relaxed to Stage 3 provisions, which became effective on Sunday.

Landscape watering is now permitted once every seven days instead of two times per month. Here is a list of the other current outdoor watering provisions, according to the NTMWD website:

• Soaker and handheld hoses can be used to water foundations, trees and new landscaping for two hours a day.
• Public athletic fields used for competitions can be watered two times a week.
• There are no restrictions on watering golf course greens and tee boxes.
• Properly operating ET/Smart irrigation and drip systems that are registered can be used without any restrictions.
• Ornamental fountains can be operated if the water is treated.
• Hydroseeding, hydromulching and sprigging is permitted.
• It is permissible to drain and refill existing swimming pools.
• Paved areas, buildings and windows cannot be hosed, but pressure washing of "impervious surfaces" is permitted.
• Vehicles cannot be washed or rinsed by a hose "except with a hose-end cutoff nozzle."
• Water cannot be used in a manner that will allow runoff or other waste.