Dumas Cancels Fourth of July Mud Volleyball During Stage 3 Water Restrictions

It's summertime, and one of the fastest ways to cool off is with water. However, that isn't happening in Dumas. On Tuesday, June 23, Dumas moved into Stage 3 Severe Water Shortage Conditions. Because of that, water usage has been restricted.

Why Dumas Entered Stage 3 Water Restrictions

With drought conditions and water restrictions, summer water activities are on pause for now.

Why 4th of July Mud Volleyball Was Canceled

One event that has become a Dumas Fourth of July tradition is the Mud Volleyball Tournament. In order to make the mud, you have to use a lot of water. Since water restrictions were put into place, the organizers of the event decided to cancel this year's tournament.

This event has become a tradition that so many of us look forward to each year. It's a day filled with laughter, friendly competition, and memories made in the mud. However, we recognize that the amount of water required for the tournament is a resource that is currently needed elsewhere.

Read More: Where to Celebrate July 4 in the Texas Panhandle

What Residents Can Still Do Under Restrictions

Right now, the water restrictions include:

• Irrigation schedule broken out by address: even-numbered addresses water Sundays and Thursdays, odd-numbered addresses water Saturdays and Wednesdays
• Watering window: 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise
• Allowed methods: handheld hoses, handheld buckets, drip irrigation, timer-equipped sprinklers
• City Park irrigation may shift timing, but not total duration
• Golf course tee watering is banned unless using a non-city water source
• Hydrant water use for construction under a special permit is discontinued

Drought Is Affecting More Than Dumas

Dumas isn't the only Texas Panhandle city experiencing water restrictions due to drought. Quanah is under Stage 4 Water Restrictions.

Although some of the fun events are being canceled and residents have to follow restrictions, the communities in the Texas Panhandle always come together.

Read More: Back Up Terry Returns to Pampa for 4th of July 2026

What Comes Next For The Texas Panhandle

The only thing we can do is pray and hope for more rain soon to counteract the drought. The longer it goes on, the less water we have in the Texas Panhandle.