Lawn by Season
Permanent Odd/Even Seasonal Ordinance
Through Permanent ordinance

Des Moines Water Restrictions 2026

Polk County · Iowa

Published:

Restrictions Active - Permanent Odd/Even Seasonal Ordinance

2

Days/Week

Before 10:00 AM

Allowed Hours

$75 first offense

Max Fine

Find Your Watering Day

Enter the last digit of your street address:

View full address schedule table
Address EndingWatering Day
OddTuesday & Friday
EvenWednesday & Saturday
Want an email when Des Moines's rules change?
Reset Your Sprinkler Timer
  1. Press and hold the left arrow button for 2 seconds to enter programming mode
  2. Set current day and time first
  3. Set start time to your allowed hour (e.g. 8:00 PM)
  4. Set run time per zone (15–25 minutes for most lawns)
  5. Set watering days to your assigned day ONLY - deselect all others

Allowed Watering Hours

Before 10:00 AMAfter 5:00 PM

No outdoor irrigation between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

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

$75 first offense

DMWW issues $75 first-offense citations.

Citations begin Permanent since 2013

🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions

Iowa HOA law requires acceptance of municipal ordinances.

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 Des Moines Water Works. 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

DMWW draws primarily from the Raccoon River and Des Moines River. Raccoon River flows at 78% of normal. Polk County in D1 Moderate Drought.

Rainfall Deficit: Raccoon River 78% · Polk County D1

This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Des Moines area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Des Moines Water Restrictions

11 tips tailored for Des Moines homeowners during Permanent Odd/Even Seasonal Ordinance restrictions.

Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue dominate Des Moines lawns.

Mow to 3.5 inches.

DMWW smart controller rebates cover $40.

Replace parkway strips with Iowa natives, Big Bluestem, Compass Plant.

Drip-irrigate vegetable beds.

Fix leaks within 48 hours.

Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles.

Skip cycles after any 0.25"+ rainfall.

Harvest rainwater.

Group plants by hydrozone.

Track monthly use at dmww.com.

Official Website →Call 515-283-8700

Des Moines Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in Des Moines?
Your watering day in Des Moines depends on your street address. Addresses ending in Odd can water on Tuesday and Friday. Addresses ending in Even can water on Wednesday and Saturday. You are limited to 2 days per week during the current Permanent Odd/Even Seasonal Ordinance restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Des Moines?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in Des Moines is only allowed during the following hours: Before 10:00 AM, After 5:00 PM. No outdoor irrigation between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Watering outside these hours, even on your scheduled day, is a violation and may result in a citation.
What are the fines for water violations in Des Moines?
DMWW issues $75 first-offense citations. The Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) and local Polk County enforcement officers conduct patrols and respond to complaints. Keep your irrigation timer set to your assigned day and hours to avoid citations.
Can I install new sod or seed in Des Moines during restrictions?
New sod installations receive 21-day establishment variance.
When will water restrictions end in Des Moines?
The current Permanent Odd/Even Seasonal Ordinance restrictions in Des Moines are effective from Permanent since 2013 through Permanent ordinance. However, the restrictions may be extended if drought conditions persist or eased if significant rainfall improves water supply levels. Monitor the Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) website for updates.

Get alerts for Des Moines, Iowa

We will email you when Des Moines restrictions change – escalations, new stages, or lifted restrictions.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Share with your neighbors in Des Moines
WhatsAppFacebook𝕏 Post
Sharing: “Des Moines, IA water restrictions: 2 days/week. Permanent Odd/Even Seasonal Ordi...”

Other Iowa Cities with Water Restrictions

Cedar RapidsModerate2 days/week
← All Iowa Restrictions← All States

Community Reports & Questions

Share an update, ask a question, or report a change in your local restrictions.

💬

No community reports yet

Be the first to share a local update, ask a question, or report a change in your area's restrictions.

Add Your Comment

0/1000

Comments are reviewed before publishing. Your email is not collected.

Get alerted when restrictions change

Free email alerts for your city – know before you water.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.