Community Development, Conservation and Long-Term Plan

As questions continue to circulate about community development and water, we want to provide residents with helpful information and clarification about several important issues affecting Heath.

Understanding the Community Development Discussion

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on 08/13/26 includes a public hearing and action on an amendment to the City’s MF-8 High Density Multi-Family Residential District Ordinance.

This action is required by the State of Texas following the passage of Senate Bill 785 in 2025. The legislation requires cities to permit HUD-code manufactured homes by right in at least one residential zoning district. The requirement takes effect statewide on September 1, 2026.

It is important to clarify that this State requirement applies specifically to manufactured homes as a physical structure. It is not related to the HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8.

Water Conservation: Every Drop Counts

Thanks to the focused leadership of the Mayor and City Council, the amount of water available to Heath has increased from approximately 6 million gallons per day in 2024 to approximately 7 million gallons per day today.

That additional water supply has helped the City avoid entering Stage 2 water restrictions to this point.

Heath has not implemented Stage 2 water restrictions—which would reduce residential irrigation to once per week—since the summer of 2024.

As we move through the final hot and dry weeks of summer, residents can help keep Heath in the Conservation Stage, which currently allows watering twice per week through automatic irrigation systems.

Residents are also encouraged to reduce water use around the home whenever possible. Whether it is adjusting irrigation schedules, fixing leaks, or simply being mindful of daily consumption, every conservation effort makes a difference.

Every drop counts toward the daily water allocation available to Heath through the City of Rockwall/NTMWD.

Heath’s Water Plan Remains a Top Priority

Residents can also be assured that the City’s Water Plan remains a top priority for City leaders.

The City Council has taken significant steps to secure the funding necessary to implement the Water Plan, which will provide additional water supply and water storage capacity over the next couple of years.

At the same time, Heath’s long-range water planning takes future growth into account. Private property owners with approved plats have rights under State law and local ordinances to develop their properties, and the City’s water modeling looks ahead to the growth Heath is expected to experience through build-out.

Planning for that future allows the City to identify and make the infrastructure investments needed to meet the community’s water needs—not only today, but for years to come.

Working Together for Heath’s Future

Water is one of our community’s most important resources, and protecting it requires a partnership between residents and City leaders.

We appreciate the continued support of Heath residents as we work together to conserve water, prepare for future growth, and protect the community’s water supply.

Thank you for your continued conservation efforts and partnership.

Residents can follow daily water usage trends at: Heath Water Wise