Official Notice: Sunday Watering Schedules and Major Downtown Traffic Detours

City of Austin Official Notice: Sunday, February 22, 2026

The City of Austin is providing the following roundup of active public notices, health advisories, and service updates for Sunday, February 22, 2026. Residents are encouraged to review these official alerts to ensure compliance with municipal regulations and to plan for ongoing infrastructure impacts throughout the metropolitan area.

Mandatory Water Conservation Schedule

Austin remains in the Conservation Stage of the City’s Drought Contingency Plan. This baseline stage is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Highland Lakes supply. For today, Sunday, February 22, residents with even-numbered home addresses are permitted to use automatic irrigation systems. However, all watering must occur during the designated windows: before 10:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. Automatic irrigation is strictly limited to one day per week. Residents using hose-end sprinklers may water up to two days per week on their designated days. Hand-held watering and the use of tree bubblers remain permitted at any time.

Major Traffic Alerts and Construction Detours

The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department advises commuters of significant lane reductions currently in effect due to the I-35 Capital Express Central project. Construction activities have triggered the following impacts near the city center:

• Congress Avenue: Northbound traffic is reduced to a single outside lane between Cesar Chavez Street and 2nd Street.
• Cesar Chavez Street: Westbound travel is reduced to two lanes near the intersection of Congress Avenue.
• Riverside Drive Bypass: Access to the northbound I-35 frontage road just north of Riverside Drive remains closed. Drivers must utilize the Riverside Drive bypass lane to continue north or use the Woodland Avenue U-turn.
• Pedestrian Access: The pedestrian boardwalk ramp along the northbound I-35 frontage road at Riverside Drive is closed. Detours are available via the southbound bridge and the trail entrance west of I-35.

Public Participation: City Council Registration

The Office of the City Clerk reminds the public that speaker registration for the upcoming February 26 Regular Meeting will officially open tomorrow, Monday, February 23, at 10:00 a.m. Residents wishing to address the Council during the General Public Communication session must sign up in advance. Registration can be completed online or via telephone through the City Clerk’s office.

Austin Public Health Advisory

Austin Public Health (APH) continues to monitor high levels of seasonal respiratory activity. Health officials urge residents to remain vigilant as the region undergoes the peak of the 2026 flu and allergy season. Recommendations include staying up to date on vaccinations and practicing respiratory hygiene in crowded public spaces. Additionally, APH continues to offer resources for mental health support through the "Address Your Stress" campaign, providing community tools to manage long-term environmental and social stressors.