Manhattan Water Restrictions 2026
Riley County · Kansas
Published:
Restrictions Active - Permanent Odd/Even Watering Ordinance
2
Days/Week
Before 10:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$25 first · $75 second
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd | Monday & Thursday |
| Even | Tuesday & Friday |
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor irrigation between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Maximum 1 inch per week total.
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
$25 first · $75 second
Manhattan Utilities issues $25 first-offense citations and $75 for second within 12 months. Education-first enforcement for commercial.
Citations begin Permanent since 2014🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Kansas HOA law does not include statutory xeriscape protection, but Manhattan's permanent ordinance supersedes HOA rules requiring water use that violates municipal conservation.
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 City of Manhattan Utilities's current restriction order. 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
Manhattan sources water from Tuttle Creek Reservoir (Kansas State University watershed). Tuttle Creek at 68% capacity as of April 2026. Riley County is in D1 Moderate Drought. KSU's research drought partnerships mean Manhattan leads in municipal conservation innovation among Kansas cities.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Manhattan area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Manhattan Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Manhattan homeowners during Permanent Odd/Even Watering Ordinance restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue dominate Manhattan lawns, both handle 2 days/week when watered deeply.
Mow to 3.5 inches in summer and leave clippings.
Smart controller rebates through Manhattan Utilities cover $50.
Replace parkway strips with Kansas natives, Prairie Dropseed, Little Bluestem.
Drip-irrigate vegetable beds and fruit trees.
Fix leaks within 48 hours.
Harvest rainwater, KS allows unlimited residential harvesting.
Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles, saves 30%.
Skip cycles after any 0.25"+ rainfall.
Group plants by hydrozone.
Track weekly use at cityofmhk.com, ordinance target is 1 inch/week.
Manhattan Water Restriction FAQs
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What are the fines for water violations in Manhattan?
Can I install new sod or seed in Manhattan during restrictions?
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