Lawn by Season

⚠ MAJOR ESCALATIONS — Charlotte Stage 2 (May 15), Metro Vancouver Stage 2 (May 1), Boise Stage 2, Erie Level 4 — updated May 3, 2026

Water Restrictions by City – 2026

Published: Updated:

⚠ Active restrictions in Florida (Phase III Extreme), Colorado (Stage 1 + Erie Level 4 Emergency), North Carolina (Stage 2 Charlotte in effect since May 15, Stage 1 Raleigh), and drought warnings across VA, TN, GA, AL — updated May 3, 2026

Watering schedules, fines, and enforcement details are current as of May 3, 2026. Check your city below for your specific watering day and allowed hours.

Spring 2026 has brought the most widespread US drought in over a decade, with major escalations continuing into May. Charlotte enters Stage 2 mandatory restrictions on May 15 — the first mandatory restrictions in the Charlotte region since 2007 and the first ‘exceptional drought’ classification since 2008. Metro Vancouver made an unprecedented direct jump to Stage 2 on May 1, skipping Stage 1 entirely and banning all lawn watering across the Lower Mainland. Boise, ID activated Stage 2 in late April — the earliest on record. The entire Southeast — including 100% of North Carolina, 99.95% of Virginia, 98.13% of Georgia, and 93.65% of Tennessee — remains in drought, the driest recharge season since records began in 1895. Colorado is experiencing its worst snowpack since 1941. Florida’s Southwest Water Management District remains at Modified Phase III Extreme across 11 counties. This page is updated as new city-level restrictions are announced — check back frequently.

📚 Learn about water restrictions

New to drought stages? Start with the pillar guide, then drill into your specific stage.

⚖️

Got an HOA Violation for a Brown Lawn?

State law protects you in Colorado, Florida, California, Washington, and more. HOA fines for brown lawns during mandatory water restrictions are unenforceable in most drought-affected states.

→ Read your rights: Can My HOA Fine Me for a Brown Lawn?

Most severe restrictions right now

The 10 cities with the strictest current schedules.

  1. 1
    Cape Coral, FLModified Phase IV (NE area private wells), hand watering only, citations
  2. 2
    Erie, COLevel 4 Emergency, hand watering only, severe fines
  3. 3
    Everett, WAStatewide Drought Emergency — Everett not impacted, hand watering only, none — voluntary
  4. 4
    Corpus Christi, TXStage 3 Mandatory + Level 1 emergency vote pending — reservoirs at 7.8% capacity
  5. 5
    Tacoma, WAStatewide Drought Emergency — Tacoma Water not impacted, hand watering only, none — voluntary
  6. 6
    Bradenton, FLModified Phase III Severe Water Shortage, 1 day/week, citation immediate
  7. 7
    Clearwater, FLModified Phase III Severe Water Shortage, 1 day/week, citation immediate
  8. 8
    Dunedin, FLModified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage, 1 day/week, $500
  9. 9
    Lakeland, FLModified Phase III Severe Water Shortage, 1 day/week, citation immediate
  10. 10
    New Port Richey, FLModified Phase III Severe Water Shortage, 1 day/week, citation immediate

Recent water restriction updates

May 1–3, 2026

  • Charlotte Metro:Stage 2 mandatory restrictions in effect since May 15 — first ‘exceptional drought’ since 2008. (read more)
  • Metro Vancouver: Skipped Stage 1, direct to Stage 2 lawn watering ban (May 1) — unprecedented early activation. (read more)
  • Boise, ID: Earliest Stage 2 activation on record — Snake River 31% below average. (read more)

April 2026

  • Raleigh, NC: Stage 1 restrictions activated (April 20) — Falls Lake at 84% capacity. (read more)
  • Valdosta, GA: Mandatory 1-day-per-week restrictions (April 15).
  • Erie, CO: Escalated to Level 4 Emergency — most severe Front Range restriction.

States with Active Restrictions

FloridaCritical53 cities

Tampa

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

St. Petersburg

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Clearwater

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Sarasota

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Bradenton

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Lakeland

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Port Charlotte

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Punta Gorda

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Venice

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

New Port Richey

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

The Villages

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Cape Coral

Critical

Modified Phase IV (NE well area) – Most Severe SFWMD Designation + Year-Round Rules

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Fort Myers

Severe

Year-Round Rules + 2026 Drought Warning

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Naples

Severe

Year-Round Rules + 2026 Drought Warning

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Bonita Springs

Severe

Year-Round Rules + 2026 Drought Warning

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Spring Hill

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Wesley Chapel

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Plant City

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

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Winter Haven

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

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Dunedin

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

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Tarpon Springs

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

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Inverness

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Arcadia

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

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North Port

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Englewood

Extreme

Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

1day/wk
Through July 1, 2026

View →

Jacksonville

Severe

Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage – SJRWMD Order 2026-006

1day/wk

View →

Jacksonville Beach

Severe

Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage – SJRWMD Order 2026-006

1day/wk

View →

St. Augustine

Severe

Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage – SJRWMD Order 2026-006

1day/wk

View →

Palm Coast

Severe

Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage – SJRWMD Order 2026-006

1day/wk

View →

Fernandina Beach

Severe

Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage – SJRWMD Order 2026-006

1day/wk

View →

Daytona Beach

Severe

Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage – SJRWMD Order 2026-006

1day/wk

View →

Ocala

Severe

Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage – SJRWMD Order 2026-006

1day/wk

View →

Orange Park

Severe

Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage – SJRWMD Order 2026-006

1day/wk

View →

Palatka

Extreme

SJRWMD Phase III Extreme Water Shortage - Effective May 13, 2026 (Declared from Palatka HQ)

1day/wk
Through Until North Florida wet season relief

View →

Sanford

Extreme

SJRWMD Phase III Extreme Water Shortage - Effective May 13, 2026

1day/wk
Through Until North Florida wet season relief

View →

Melbourne

Extreme

SJRWMD Phase III Extreme Water Shortage - Effective May 13, 2026

1day/wk
Through Until North Florida wet season relief

View →

Vero Beach

Extreme

SJRWMD Phase III Extreme Water Shortage - Effective May 13, 2026

1day/wk
Through Until North Florida wet season relief

View →

Clermont

Extreme

SJRWMD Phase III Extreme Water Shortage - Effective May 13, 2026

1day/wk
Through Until North Florida wet season relief

View →

Gainesville

Extreme

SJRWMD Phase III (east Alachua) + SRWMD Phase II (west Alachua) - Asymmetric May 13, 2026

1day/wk
Through Until North Florida wet season relief

View →

Orlando

Extreme

SJRWMD Phase III Extreme Water Shortage - Effective May 13, 2026

1day/wk

View →

Tallahassee

Moderate

NWFWMD Water Shortage Warning - Voluntary Conservation

7days/wk

View →

Miami

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

Hialeah

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

Fort Lauderdale

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

Pembroke Pines

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

Hollywood

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

Coral Springs

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

West Palm Beach

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

Pompano Beach

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

Boca Raton

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

Miami Beach

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory – SFWMD Rule 40E-24, F.A.C.

2days/wk

View →

Key West

Moderate

Year-Round Conservation (FKAA); Drought Warning Rescinded March 2026

2days/wk

View →

Coral Gables

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory Schedule: SFWMD Rule 40E-24

2days/wk

View →

ColoradoCritical51 cities

Denver

Severe

Stage 1 Drought Response

2days/wk
Through April 30, 2027

View →

Aurora

Severe

Stage 1 Drought Response

2days/wk
Through April 30, 2027

View →

Lakewood

Severe

Stage 1 Drought Response

2days/wk
Through April 30, 2027

View →

Golden

Severe

Stage 1 Drought: 2 Days/Week (Effective May 1, 2026)

2days/wk

View →

Westminster

Moderate

Permanent Water Use Efficiency: 3 Days/Week

3days/wk
Through Permanent ordinance, no scheduled end

View →

Arvada

Severe

Stage 1 Drought Response: mandatory from April 15

2days/wk
Through April 30, 2027

View →

Thornton

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory: Irrigation Season Active

2days/wk
Through April 30, 2027

View →

Broomfield

Severe

Stage 1 Drought Restrictions: Broomfield Water

3days/wk
Through October 1, 2026

View →

Northglenn

Severe

Stage 2 Drought - Mandatory Restrictions Active

2days/wk

View →

Woodland Park

Severe

Level 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions - Pikes Peak Region

2days/wk

View →

Eagle

Critical

Stage 3 Drought - Most Severe Active in Colorado

2days/wk

View →

Castle Rock

Moderate

Voluntary 10% Reduction: Considering First-Ever Stage 1

2days/wk

View →

Erie

Extreme

Water Supply Shortage Response Level 4: Emergency

0days/wk

View →

Silverthorne

Extreme

Emergency Drought Declaration - Outdoor Water Use Banned

0days/wk
Through End of 2026 or until lifted

View →

Brighton

Severe

Stage 1 Drought Restrictions: Brighton (20% Reduction Goal)

2days/wk

View →

Durango

Severe

Stage 1 Drought Restrictions: Durango

3days/wk
Through Ongoing, check durango.gov

View →

Cortez

Severe

Mandatory Midday Watering Ban - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

7days/wk

View →

Mancos

Severe

Voluntary Conservation - Severe SW Colorado Drought

7days/wk

View →

Steamboat Springs

Severe

Active Water Restrictions: Stage 3 Risk

3days/wk
Through Ongoing, check steamboatsprings.net

View →

Morrison

Severe

Active Water Restrictions: 2 Days/Week

2days/wk
Through Ongoing, check morrisonco.us

View →

Fort Collins

Moderate

Drought Watch: No Mandatory Restrictions Yet

3days/wk
Through Formal decision expected April–May 2026

View →

Loveland

Moderate

Drought Watch: No Mandatory Restrictions Yet

3days/wk
Through Formal decision expected April–May 2026

View →

Vail

Critical

Stage 3 Drought: Most Severe Active in Colorado

2days/wk

View →

Sheridan

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory - Denver Water Service Area

2days/wk
Through October 1, 2026

View →

Glendale

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory - Denver Water Service Area

2days/wk
Through October 1, 2026

View →

Edgewater

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory - Denver Water Service Area

2days/wk
Through October 1, 2026

View →

Commerce City

Moderate

Delayed Irrigation Start - May 4, 2026

3days/wk
Through October 1, 2026

View →

Englewood

Moderate

Voluntary 3-Day Watering Recommendation

3days/wk

View →

Longmont

Moderate

Drought Watch: Voluntary Conservation Only

3days/wk
Through Voluntary, no formal end date

View →

Highlands Ranch

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory: 2 Days/Week

2days/wk
Through Until reservoir conditions recover

View →

Lone Tree

Severe

Active Restrictions: Provider-Specific Schedules

2days/wk
Through Until snowpack recovers

View →

Boulder

Moderate

Drought Watch: Voluntary Conservation

3days/wk

View →

Centennial

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory Drought

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Colorado Springs

Severe

Stage 1 Drought Response

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Greenwood Village

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory Drought

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Littleton

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory Drought

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Wheat Ridge

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory Drought

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Greeley

Moderate

Mandatory Year-Round - Greeley Water Board

3days/wk

View →

Castle Pines

Moderate

Drought Watch - Voluntary 10% Reduction

3days/wk
Through Until conditions improve

View →

Parker

Moderate

Stage 1 Drought Watch - Voluntary 3 Days/Week

3days/wk
Through Until Drought Watch is lifted

View →

Lafayette

Moderate

Drought Watch - Voluntary Conservation

3days/wk
Through Until conditions improve

View →

Louisville

Moderate

Drought Watch - Voluntary Conservation

3days/wk
Through Until conditions improve

View →

Superior

Moderate

Drought Watch - Voluntary Conservation

3days/wk
Through Until conditions improve

View →

Pueblo

No Restrictions

No Drought Restrictions - Healthy Reservoirs

7days/wk
Through No restriction in effect

View →

Grand Junction

Severe

Stage 1 Voluntary - Colorado River Basin

3days/wk
Through Until basin conditions improve

View →

Windsor

Moderate

Drought Watch - Voluntary Conservation

3days/wk
Through Until conditions improve

View →

Johnstown

Moderate

Drought Watch - Voluntary Conservation

3days/wk
Through Until conditions improve

View →

Evans

Moderate

Drought Watch - Voluntary Conservation

3days/wk
Through Until conditions improve

View →

Aspen

Critical

Stage 3 Water Shortage: First-Ever Mandatory Restrictions

2days/wk

View →

Breckenridge

Severe

Stage 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions

2days/wk

View →

Estes Park

Moderate

Voluntary Conservation: Secure Supply, No Mandatory Restrictions

3days/wk
Through Ongoing; no mandatory stage in effect

View →

GeorgiaSevere19 cities

Atlanta

Moderate

Year-Round Watering Hours: Water Stewardship Act of 2010

7days/wk
Through Permanent

View →

Savannah

Moderate

Permanent Year-Round Odd/Even + Drought Advisory

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Augusta

Moderate

Permanent Year-Round Odd/Even + Drought Advisory

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Macon

Moderate

Permanent Year-Round Odd/Even + Drought Watch

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Valdosta

Severe

Mandatory Stage 1 - Active April 15, 2026

7days/wk
Through Until drought conditions improve

View →

Sandy Springs

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Roswell

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Johns Creek

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Alpharetta

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Marietta

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Smyrna

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Brookhaven

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Dunwoody

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Athens

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Columbus

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Albany

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Warner Robins

Severe

Year-Round + EPD Level 1 - April 2026

3days/wk

View →

Gainesville

Moderate

Year-Round Schedule plus Level 1 Drought Response

7days/wk

View →

Brunswick

Moderate

Year-Round Schedule plus Level 1 Drought Response

7days/wk

View →

UtahExtreme27 cities

Salt Lake City

Moderate

Stage 2 Drought Advisory

2days/wk
Through October 31, 2026

View →

West Valley City

Moderate

Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Provo

Moderate

Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

West Jordan

Moderate

Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Sandy

Moderate

Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

South Salt Lake

Moderate

Year-Round Ordinance: Municipal Code 13.56 (UNLAWFUL to violate)

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Millcreek

Moderate

Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory (Stricter Hours)

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Ogden

Moderate

Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

St. George

Severe

Year-Round Ordinance + Exceptional D4 Drought

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Layton

Severe

Stage 1 - Weber Basin 20% Reduction + May 15 Start

2days/wk
Through October 31, 2026

View →

Draper

Moderate

Moderate Stage 1 Advisory

3days/wk
Through October 31, 2026

View →

Herriman

Moderate

Moderate Stage 1 Advisory

3days/wk
Through October 31, 2026

View →

Park City

Moderate

Year-Round Mandatory Odd/Even (since 1980s)

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Murray

Severe

Voluntary Conservation under Utah Statewide Drought + SLC Stage 2 Spillover

2days/wk

View →

Holladay

Severe

Voluntary Conservation - Statewide Drought

2days/wk

View →

Cottonwood Heights

Severe

Voluntary Conservation (Statewide Drought)

2days/wk

View →

Riverton

Severe

Voluntary Conservation (Statewide Drought)

2days/wk

View →

Riverdale

Extreme

Mandatory Conservation Order - April 2026

2days/wk

View →

Roy

Extreme

Stage 2 Mandatory - Once/Week Until Memorial Day

1day/wk

View →

Orem

Severe

Year-Round Ordinance + 2026 Drought Advisory

2days/wk
Through Through December 31, 2026

View →

Bountiful

Severe

Stage 1 - Weber Basin 20% Reduction

2days/wk
Through Through October 31, 2026

View →

Lehi

Severe

Moderate Stage 1 Advisory - JVWCD

3days/wk
Through Through October 31, 2026

View →

South Jordan

Severe

Moderate Stage 1 Advisory - JVWCD

3days/wk
Through Through October 31, 2026

View →

Cedar City

Extreme

Stage 2 - Central Iron Aquifer Stressed

2days/wk
Through Through October 31, 2026

View →

Logan

Severe

Stage 1 Advisory - Logan River + Cache Valley

3days/wk
Through Through October 31, 2026

View →

Saratoga Springs

Severe

Voluntary Conservation (Statewide Drought); Pressurized Irrigation City

3days/wk

View →

Eagle Mountain

Severe

Voluntary Conservation (Statewide Drought): Delay Watering Start

2days/wk

View →

TexasCritical46 cities

San Antonio

Extreme

Stage 3 Drought Restrictions - SAWS

1day/wk

View →

Austin

Severe

Stage 2 Drought Restrictions - Austin Water

1day/wk

View →

Dallas

Moderate

Year-Round Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 49)

2days/wk
Through Permanent ordinance

View →

Houston

Moderate

Year-Round Water Conservation Guidelines - Houston Public Works

2days/wk
Through Permanent

View →

Fort Worth

Moderate

Year-Round Water Conservation Stage 1 - Fort Worth Water

2days/wk
Through Permanent

View →

El Paso

Severe

Year-Round Mandatory Watering Schedule - El Paso Water

2days/wk
Through Permanent

View →

Corpus Christi

Critical

Stage 3 Mandatory - Level 1 Emergency Projected September 2026

0days/wk

View →

Aransas Pass

Critical

Stage 3 Mandatory + Local Disaster Declaration (April 22, 2026)

0days/wk

View →

Beeville

Critical

Stage 3 Mandatory + Local Disaster Declaration

0days/wk

View →

Alice

Critical

Stage 3 Mandatory (Brackish RO Desalination Online)

0days/wk

View →

Three Rivers

Critical

Stage 3 Mandatory + Choke Canyon Supply Notice (March 23, 2026)

0days/wk

View →

Mathis

Critical

Stage 3 Mandatory (Non-Essential City Water Use Suspended)

0days/wk

View →

Lubbock

Severe

Year-Round Water Conservation Ordinance

2days/wk
Through Permanent

View →

Frisco

Moderate

Year-Round Water Conservation - Odd/Even Schedule

2days/wk
Through Permanent

View →

Pflugerville

Extreme

Stage 3 Emergency – Indoor Use Only (Disaster Declaration)

0days/wk

View →

Cedar Park

Severe

Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures

2days/wk

View →

Round Rock

Moderate

Standard Restrictions – Year-Round Mandatory Schedule

2days/wk

View →

Georgetown

Severe

Drought Stage 2 – 1 Day Per Week

1day/wk

View →

Leander

Severe

Phase 2 Water Conservation – Mandatory

2days/wk

View →

Hutto

Moderate

Stage 1 Water Conservation – Mandatory

2days/wk

View →

New Braunfels

Severe

Stage-Based Restrictions – Edwards Aquifer Critical Period

2days/wk

View →

San Marcos

Severe

Stage-Based Restrictions – Edwards Aquifer Critical Period

2days/wk

View →

Killeen

Moderate

Stage 1 Mandatory – BRA Drought Watch

2days/wk
Through Until BRA Stage 1 lifts on Lake Belton

View →

Temple

Moderate

Stage 1 Mandatory – BRA Drought Watch

2days/wk
Through Until BRA Stage 1 lifts on Lake Belton

View →

Harker Heights

Moderate

Stage 1 Mandatory – BRA Drought Watch (Bell County WCID #1)

2days/wk
Through Until BRA Stage 1 lifts on Lake Belton

View →

Belton

Moderate

Stage 1 Mandatory – BRA Drought Watch

2days/wk
Through Until BRA Stage 1 lifts on Lake Belton

View →

Copperas Cove

Moderate

Stage 1 Mandatory – Regional Drought Coordination

2days/wk

View →

Brownsville

Extreme

BPUB Stage 2 Mandatory Drought Restrictions, In Effect Since September 2023 and Continuing Through 2026

2days/wk

View →

McAllen

Severe

Mandatory Stage 2 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan

2days/wk

View →

Laredo

Severe

Stage 2 Drought Contingency Plan - Moderate Water Shortage

3days/wk

View →

Arlington

Moderate

Stage 1 Year-Round Watering Schedule (twice weekly by address)

2days/wk

View →

Irving

Moderate

Stage 1 Year-Round Conservation (Dallas Water Utilities wholesale)

2days/wk

View →

Grand Prairie

Moderate

Stage 1 Water Conservation (year-round, twice-weekly sprinkler schedule by address parity)

2days/wk
Through Year-round

View →

Plano

Severe

NTMWD Stage 2 Conservation - Year-Round

2days/wk
Through Permanent NTMWD ordinance

View →

McKinney

Severe

NTMWD Stage 2 Conservation - Year-Round

2days/wk
Through Permanent NTMWD ordinance

View →

Allen

Severe

NTMWD Stage 2 Conservation - Year-Round

2days/wk
Through Permanent NTMWD ordinance

View →

Richardson

Severe

NTMWD Stage 2 Conservation - Year-Round

2days/wk
Through Permanent NTMWD ordinance

View →

Garland

Severe

NTMWD Stage 2 Conservation - Year-Round

2days/wk
Through Permanent NTMWD ordinance

View →

Mesquite

Severe

NTMWD Stage 2 Conservation - Year-Round

2days/wk
Through Permanent NTMWD ordinance

View →

Rockwall

Severe

NTMWD Stage 2 Conservation - Year-Round

2days/wk
Through Permanent NTMWD ordinance

View →

Wylie

Severe

NTMWD Stage 2 Conservation - Year-Round

2days/wk
Through Permanent NTMWD ordinance

View →

Boerne

Extreme

Stage 4 Drought - Edwards Aquifer Critical

1day/wk

View →

Kerrville

Extreme

Stage 3 Drought - Upper Guadalupe Basin

1day/wk

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Seguin

Extreme

Stage 3 Drought - Edwards/Guadalupe System

1day/wk

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Schertz

Critical

Stage 4 Drought - SSLGC Most Severe

0.5days/wk

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Cibolo

Critical

Stage 4 Drought - SSLGC Most Severe

0.5days/wk

View →

North CarolinaExtreme62 cities

Charlotte

Extreme

Stage 2 Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk
Through Until conditions improve

View →

Raleigh

Severe

Stage 1 - Mandatory Water Conservation Restrictions

1day/wk

View →

Durham

Moderate

Year-Round Permanent Odd/Even Watering Schedule + 2026 Drought Advisory

2days/wk
Through Permanent ordinance

View →

Greensboro

Severe

D2/D3 Extreme Drought - NCUC Stage 2 Restrictions

2days/wk
Through Updated every Thursday at ncdrought.org

View →

Winston-Salem

Severe

D2/D3 Extreme Drought - NCUC Stage 2 Restrictions

2days/wk
Through Updated every Thursday at ncdrought.org

View →

Chapel Hill

Moderate

Voluntary Conservation - 511 Days of Supply at 90% (April 2026)

7days/wk

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Carrboro

Moderate

Voluntary Conservation - OWASA Water Shortage Response Plan

7days/wk

View →

Monroe

Severe

Union County Water Stage 2 Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

3days/wk

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Waxhaw

Severe

Union County Water Stage 2 Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

3days/wk

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Indian Trail

Severe

Union County Water Stage 2 Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

3days/wk

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Weddington

Severe

Union County Water Stage 2 Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

3days/wk

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Wesley Chapel

Severe

Union County Water Stage 2 Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

3days/wk

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Harrisburg

Moderate

Voluntary Conservation - In Effect Since April 22, 2026

7days/wk

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Cary

Moderate

Stage 1 Drought Watch - Voluntary

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

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Fayetteville

Moderate

Stage 1 Drought Watch - Voluntary

3days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

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Wilmington

Moderate

Advisory - Monitor Weekly

0days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

View →

Rocky Mount

Moderate

Voluntary Stage 1 - Tar River Reservoir System

2days/wk

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Goldsboro

Moderate

Voluntary Conservation - April 2026

2days/wk

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Fuquay-Varina

Severe

Mandatory Restrictions – Town of Fuquay-Varina (NOT Raleigh Water)

0days/wk

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Garner

Severe

Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer

1day/wk

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Wake Forest

Severe

Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer

1day/wk

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Rolesville

Severe

Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer

1day/wk

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Knightdale

Severe

Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer

1day/wk

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Wendell

Severe

Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer

1day/wk

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Zebulon

Severe

Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer

1day/wk

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Cornelius

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Davidson

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Huntersville

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Mooresville

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Statesville

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Hickory

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Gastonia

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Concord

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Kannapolis

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Belmont

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Mount Holly

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Cramerton

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Bessemer City

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Stanley

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Dallas

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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McAdenville

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Ranlo

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Lowell

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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High Shoals

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Lenoir

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Morganton

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Valdese

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Matthews

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Mint Hill

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Pineville

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Claremont

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Brookford

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Catawba

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Troutman

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Salisbury

Severe

Voluntary Conservation – D4 Exceptional Drought Active

0days/wk

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Albemarle

Severe

Voluntary Conservation – D4 Exceptional Drought Active

0days/wk

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Taylorsville

Severe

Stage II Mandatory Conservation – Town Ordinance

2days/wk

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Conover

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 1, 2026

2days/wk

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Long View

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 1, 2026

2days/wk

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Maiden

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory - In Effect Since May 1, 2026

2days/wk

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Mecklenburg County

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory: In Effect Since May 15, 2026

2days/wk

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Iredell County

Extreme

Stage 2 LIP Mandatory: In Effect Across All Iredell Utilities

2days/wk

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CaliforniaCritical19 cities

Los Angeles

Critical

Level 1 Water Shortage Emergency - MWD Level 1 Notice Active

2days/wk
Through Permanent ordinance

View →

San Diego

Critical

Level 2 Drought Watch - Mandatory Conservation

2days/wk
Through Permanent baseline + Stage 1 active

View →

San Jose

Extreme

Stage 2 Mandatory Water Shortage

2days/wk

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Sacramento

Extreme

Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation

2days/wk

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San Francisco

Extreme

Level 2 Mandatory Water Rationing

2days/wk
Through December 31, 2026

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Fresno

Critical

Stage 2 Water Shortage Contingency

2days/wk

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Long Beach

Critical

Stage 1 + MWD Level 1 – Mandatory Conservation

3days/wk

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Anaheim

Critical

Stage 2 + MWD Level 1 – Mandatory Conservation

3days/wk

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Santa Ana

Critical

Stage 2 + MWD Level 1 – Mandatory Conservation

3days/wk

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Riverside

Critical

Stage 2 + MWD Level 1 – Mandatory Conservation

3days/wk

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San Bernardino

Critical

Stage 2 + MWD Level 1 – Mandatory Conservation

3days/wk

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Oxnard

Critical

Stage 2 + MWD Level 1 – Mandatory Conservation

3days/wk

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Ontario

Critical

Stage 2 + MWD Level 1 – Mandatory Conservation

3days/wk

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Irvine

Critical

Allocation-Based Conservation + MWD Level 1

3days/wk

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Oakland

Moderate

EBMUD Permanent Water-Waste Rules – verify current stage at ebmud.com

0days/wk
Through Until EBMUD declares a higher stage

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Fremont

Moderate

ACWD Baseline Conservation – verify current stage at acwd.org

0days/wk

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Bakersfield

Extreme

City of Bakersfield Stage 2 · Cal Water Stage 1 – Two-Tier Framework

2days/wk

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Stockton

Extreme

City of Stockton Mandatory Water Conservation

2days/wk

View →

Modesto

Severe

City of Modesto Year-Round Watering Schedule (3 days per week)

3days/wk

View →

OklahomaExtreme13 cities

Oklahoma City

Severe

Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even (April–October)

2days/wk
Through October 31 (annual seasonal)

View →

Tulsa

Moderate

Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even Ordinance

2days/wk
Through Permanent ordinance

View →

Norman

Moderate

Permanent Year-Round Odd/Even Schedule

3days/wk
Through Permanent ordinance

View →

Edmond

Severe

Stage 1 Mandatory Odd/Even – Regional Conservation Plan

3days/wk
Through Until regional plan rescinds

View →

Moore

Moderate

Stage 1 Conservation Advisory – Groundwater System

3days/wk
Through Until drought conditions improve

View →

Broken Arrow

Moderate

Stage 1 Conservation Advisory – Verdigris River System

3days/wk
Through Until drought conditions improve

View →

Lawton

Extreme

Stage 2 Mandatory Outdoor Water Conservation

3days/wk
Through Until combined storage recovers

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Stillwater

No Restrictions

No active water-use restrictions – verify at stillwaterok.gov

0days/wk
Through Until SUA declares a stage

View →

Enid

Moderate

Stage 1 Conservation Advisory – Cimarron Wellfields + Kaw Lake Supplemental

3days/wk
Through Until Enid declares mandatory stage

View →

Bartlesville

No Restrictions

No Active Restrictions – Hulah / Hudson / Copan Lakes at Full Capacity

0days/wk

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Midwest City

Moderate

Permanent Year-Round Odd/Even Schedule – Lake Thunderbird via COMCD

3days/wk
Through Permanent ordinance

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Duncan

Moderate

Stage 1 Conservation Advisory – Waurika Lake + Lakes Humphreys/Fuqua

3days/wk
Through Until Duncan declares mandatory stage

View →

Ardmore

Moderate

Stage 1 Conservation Advisory – Arbuckle MCD + Mountain Lake + Jean Neustadt + Scott King

3days/wk
Through Until Ardmore declares mandatory stage

View →

New JerseySevere23 cities

Newark

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Jersey City

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Paterson

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Atlantic City

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Cherry Hill

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Toms River

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Lakewood

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Elizabeth

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Edison

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Woodbridge

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Hamilton

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Vineland

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Camden

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Wayne

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Morristown

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Phillipsburg

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Sparta

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Bayonne

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Brick

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Bridgewater

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Hoboken

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

East Brunswick

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Trenton

Severe

NJDEP Statewide Drought Warning - Voluntary Conservation Since December 5, 2025

2days/wk

View →

Drought Watch — No Mandatory Restrictions (Yet)

These states and cities are in active drought but have not imposed mandatory outdoor watering restrictions as of April 19, 2026. Voluntary conservation is requested across all listed areas. Conditions could escalate to mandatory restrictions through late spring and summer 2026 as growing-season demand peaks.

Virginia

Drought Watch

Virginia is experiencing its second-driest recharge season since records began in 1895, with 99.95% of the state in drought as of April 2026. Mandatory restrictions have not yet been implemented, but voluntary conservation is strongly encouraged statewide. Restrictions could be triggered by late spring conditions — check your local utility for updates.

  • Richmond: Drought Watch — voluntary conservation requested. Source: rvah2o.com
  • Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads: Drought Watch — Southeastern Public Service Authority. Source: spsawater.com
  • Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria): Drought Watch — Fairfax Water monitoring closely. Source: fairfaxwater.org

Tennessee

Drought Watch

Tennessee is experiencing its ninth-driest recharge season since records began in 1895, with 93.65% of the state in drought as of April 2026. Most Tennessee utilities have not yet imposed mandatory restrictions but are monitoring conditions closely as the spring growing season increases water demand.

  • Nashville: Drought Watch — Metro Water Services monitoring. Source: nashville.gov/water
  • Memphis: No restrictions — MLGW draws from the Memphis Sand Aquifer (deep groundwater) and is largely insulated from surface-water drought conditions.
  • Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville: Drought Watch — monitor tn.gov/environment/drought

Alabama

Drought Watch

Alabama is in a Drought Watch following the second-driest recharge season on record. North Alabama and Birmingham metro are most affected; Gulf Coast areas (Mobile) have seen more normal rainfall and remain unrestricted.

  • Birmingham: Drought Watch — Jefferson County water monitoring
  • Huntsville: Drought Watch — Huntsville Utilities
  • Mobile: No restrictions — Gulf Coast rainfall closer to seasonal norms

North Carolina (additional cities beyond Charlotte/Raleigh)

Drought Watch

100% of North Carolina is in drought as of April 2026 — the driest recharge season since records began in 1895. Charlotte and Raleigh are under mandatory restrictions (see active restrictions section above). The cities below are on Drought Watch with voluntary conservation requested.

  • Durham: Drought Watch — reservoirs at 84% (Lake Michie, Little River). Falls Lake approaching the 85% mandatory-restriction trigger.
  • Greensboro: Drought Watch — monitor ncdrought.org for updates
  • Winston-Salem: Drought Watch — monitor ncdrought.org for updates

What Do Water Restrictions Mean for Your Lawn?

Water restrictions limit when and how often you can run your sprinkler system, but they do not mean your lawn is doomed. Most warm-season grasses grown in Florida – including St. Augustine, Bahia, and Bermuda – can survive four to six weeks without irrigation by entering a natural dormancy state. The grass blades turn brown, but the root system and crown remain alive underground. Once summer rains arrive or restrictions are eased, the lawn greens up within one to two weeks.

Cool-season grasses in Colorado, such as Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue, are more vulnerable to summer heat stress, but the two-day-per-week schedule under Stage 1 restrictions is usually sufficient to keep them alive if you water deeply during allowed hours. Mowing high (3.5–4 inches) and avoiding fertilizer during restrictions are the two most important survival steps.

Hand watering with a hose and shut-off nozzle is still permitted in nearly all jurisdictions, even on non-scheduled days. Drip irrigation for garden beds and container plants is also exempt from day-of-week limits in most districts. Focus your limited water on trees, shrubs, and high-value plantings first – turf is the most resilient part of your landscape and will recover on its own.

The biggest mistake homeowners make during restrictions is panic-fertilizing to try to keep the lawn green. Nitrogen forces new leaf growth that demands more water the lawn cannot receive, accelerating decline. Instead, let the grass rest. A dormant lawn is not a dead lawn. When the restrictions end and rain returns, your patience will be rewarded with a full recovery.

Find Your Watering Day

Most water restrictions assign your watering day based on the last digit of your street address. For example, if your address is 1234 Oak Lane, your last digit is “4” and you would water on the day assigned to addresses ending in 4 or 5 (Wednesday in SWFWMD areas).

Some districts use an even/odd system instead: even-numbered addresses water on one set of days, and odd-numbered addresses water on another. Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Clearwater) and South Florida (SFWMD) use the even/odd system.

Multi-family properties, HOA common areas, and commercial properties often have separate schedules. In Denver Water’s system, multi-family and HOA common areas water on Tuesday and Friday regardless of address number.

Select your city from the list above to see the complete watering schedule, including your specific watering day based on your address, allowed hours, and what types of watering are exempt from the schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are water restrictions?
Water restrictions are mandatory limits on outdoor irrigation imposed by local water management districts during droughts or supply shortages. They specify which days you can water, during what hours, and for how long. Violations can result in warnings, fines, or having your water service flagged. Restrictions are enacted to protect drinking water supplies, prevent saltwater intrusion into aquifers, and ensure equitable distribution during shortages. They typically apply to automatic sprinkler systems, but hand watering and drip irrigation often have more flexible rules.
Can I hand water my lawn during restrictions?
Yes, in most cases. Both Florida’s SWFWMD and SFWMD districts and Colorado’s Denver Water allow hand watering with a hose and shut-off nozzle during designated hours, even on non-scheduled days. Hand watering is defined as holding the hose personally — unattended hoses or hose-end sprinklers left running are treated the same as automatic irrigation and must follow the day-of-week schedule. Check your specific city’s rules for allowed hand-watering hours.
Will my lawn die during water restrictions?
Most established lawns will survive water restrictions by going semi-dormant. Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bahia, and Bermuda can handle 4–6 weeks without irrigation and will green up once rain returns. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are less drought tolerant but can survive short restriction periods if mowed high and not fertilized. The key is to avoid stressing the lawn further: raise your mower blade, stop fertilizing, and focus any available water on trees and high-value shrubs rather than turf.
What are the fines for violating water restrictions?
Fines vary by jurisdiction. In Florida’s SWFWMD district, violations can result in fines up to $500, with enforcement citations beginning April 17, 2026. First offenses typically receive a written warning. In Colorado, Denver Water can impose fines of $50–$500 per occurrence per day for repeat violators. Some Florida municipalities may impose additional local fines of up to $5,000 per occurrence for repeat offenders. Enforcement is usually complaint-driven initially, then shifts to active patrols during severe phases.
How long do water restrictions last?
The duration depends on drought severity and rainfall recovery. Florida’s current SWFWMD Phase III restrictions are effective from April 3 through July 1, 2026, but may be extended if the summer wet season does not bring adequate rainfall. Colorado’s Denver Water Stage 1 restrictions run through October 1, 2026 with the possibility of extension; Erie’s Level 4 emergency continues until snowpack and reservoir conditions improve materially. North Carolina’s Stage 1 restrictions in Raleigh and Charlotte are reviewed weekly by the NC Drought Management Advisory Council and remain in effect until the state drought monitor downgrades the affected counties.
Which cities have new restrictions in May 2026?
Charlotte, NC escalated to mandatory Stage 2 restrictions in effect since May 15, 2026 — the first ‘exceptional drought’ classification in the Charlotte region since 2008. Metro Vancouver implemented an unprecedented direct escalation to Stage 2 on May 1, skipping Stage 1 entirely and banning all lawn watering across the Lower Mainland. Boise, ID activated Stage 2 restrictions in late April, the earliest on record due to Snake River flows 31% below average. Raleigh, NC moved to mandatory Stage 1 restrictions effective April 20, 2026 — odd addresses water Tuesdays midnight to 10 a.m., even addresses water Wednesdays midnight to 10 a.m. Erie, CO remains at Level 4 Emergency with all residential sprinkler systems prohibited. Valdosta, GA moved to mandatory 1-day-per-week restrictions on April 15, 2026. Drought watches are also active across Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama with voluntary conservation requested.
Why is the 2026 Southeast drought so severe?
The Southeast US is experiencing its driest fall-through-spring recharge season since records began in 1895. 100% of North Carolina, 99.95% of Virginia, 98.13% of Georgia, and 93.65% of Tennessee are in drought as of April 2026. The dry recharge season meant winter rainfall did not replenish reservoirs and groundwater to normal levels, leaving the region with materially lower starting water supplies entering the high-demand spring and summer months. Combined with Colorado’s worst snowpack since 1941 and ongoing Florida and Western drought, the 2026 spring drought footprint is the most widespread in over a decade.
Can my HOA fine me for a brown lawn during water restrictions?
In Florida, Statute 720.3075 explicitly prohibits HOAs from fining homeowners for brown or dormant lawns during active water management district restrictions. Your HOA cannot require you to violate water restrictions to maintain green turf. In Colorado, HB 21-1229 goes further by prohibiting HOAs from requiring water-intensive landscaping like Kentucky Bluegrass or penalizing homeowners for xeriscaping or drought-tolerant alternatives. Keep a copy of your local restriction notice to show your HOA if you receive a violation letter. See our complete state-by-state guide: Can My HOA Fine Me for a Brown Lawn? at https://lawnbyseason.com/can-hoa-fine-me-brown-lawn-water-restrictions

Related Resources

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