Chicago Water Restrictions 2026
Cook County · Illinois
Published:
Restrictions Active - Permanent Year-Round Odd/Even Ordinance (2008)
3
Days/Week
Before 9:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$500 per violation
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Even | Monday & Wednesday & Friday |
| Odd | Tuesday & Thursday & Saturday |
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor sprinkler irrigation between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM from April 1 through October 31. No Sunday irrigation year-round.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day with a shut-off nozzle.
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
$500 per violation
Chicago DWM issues $500 citations per violation. Commercial face up to $3,000. DWM maintains active seasonal enforcement patrols April–October.
Citations begin Permanent since 2008🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Illinois Common Interest Community Association Act requires HOAs to accept municipal ordinances that override private covenants. Chicago's permanent ordinance supersedes HOA rules requiring water-intensive turf.
If your homeowners association sends a violation notice for a dormant or brown lawn during the current restriction period, respond in writing citing the applicable law and include a copy of the current restriction order from Chicago Department of Water Management. Most HOAs will rescind the notice once they are made aware of the legal protections in place. If the issue persists, contact your county’s code enforcement division for assistance.
Why These Restrictions Exist
Chicago draws from Lake Michigan under the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. Lake Michigan levels remain near normal; the permanent ordinance exists for peak-demand management and to meet the Compact's conservation requirements. Chicago's Lake Michigan withdrawal is capped under federal law.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Chicago area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Chicago Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Chicago homeowners during Permanent Year-Round Odd/Even Ordinance (2008) restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue dominate Chicago lawns, both handle 3 days/week easily.
Mow to 3.5 inches and leave clippings.
DWM smart controller rebates cover $50 on WaterSense units.
Replace parkway strips with Illinois natives, Little Bluestem, Purple Coneflower.
Drip-irrigate vegetable beds and fruit trees.
Fix leaks within 48 hours, DWM offers free residential leak audits.
Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles.
Skip cycles after any 0.25"+ rainfall.
Harvest rainwater, Chicago distributes free rain barrels through the Center for Neighborhood Technology.
Group plants by hydrozone.
Track monthly use at chicago.gov, ordinance requires no mid-day irrigation April–October.
Chicago Water Restriction FAQs
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