Wichita Water Restrictions 2026
Sedgwick County · Kansas
Published:
Restrictions Active - Year-Round Permanent 2-Day Watering Ordinance
2
Days/Week
Before 12:00 PM
Allowed Hours
$50 first · $100 second · $200+ repeat
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
Enter the last digit of your street address:
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd | Tuesday & Friday |
| Even | Wednesday & Saturday |
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor irrigation between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM year-round. Maximum 1 inch of water per week total including rainfall.
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
$50 first · $100 second · $200+ repeat
Wichita Water & Sewer issues progressive fines: $50, $100, then $200+ for repeat violations within 12 months. Commercial properties face up to $500 per occurrence.
Citations begin Permanent since 2013🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Kansas HOA law does not include a statutory xeriscape right, but Wichita's permanent year-round ordinance supersedes HOA rules requiring water use inconsistent with municipal conservation. Document ordinance compliance if your HOA sends a violation.
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 Wichita Water & Sewer 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
Wichita relies on Cheney Reservoir and Equus Beds Aquifer. Western Kansas sits above the Ogallala Aquifer, which has declined 50+ feet in some areas since the 1950s. Drought Declaration Level 2 active for western Kansas since September 2025. Wichita maintains permanent 2-day/week restrictions regardless of drought status to protect long-term supply.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Wichita area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Wichita Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Wichita homeowners during Year-Round Permanent 2-Day Watering Ordinance restrictions.
Buffalo Grass and Bermuda dominate Wichita lawns, Buffalo Grass handles 1 inch/week naturally; Bermuda on 2 days/week.
Cycle-and-soak on Sedgwick County's clay: 5 minutes on, 30-minute pause, 5 minutes on.
Mow Bermuda at 1.5" and Buffalo Grass at 3"; raise in summer heat.
Apply 3 inches of hardwood mulch around ornamental beds; saves 25% evaporation.
Smart controller rebates through Wichita WaterWise cover $75 on WaterSense-labeled units.
Replace parkway strips with native plantings, Kansas Blazing Star, Prairie Dropseed, Little Bluestem.
Drip-irrigate vegetable beds and fruit trees, exempt from day-of-week schedule.
Fix leaks within 48 hours, Wichita's high summer evaporation wastes 300+ gallons/night from stuck valves.
Harvest rainwater, Kansas allows unlimited residential rooftop harvesting without permit.
Skip irrigation after any 0.5"+ rainfall, deep soak lasts 10+ days.
Track monthly use at wichita.gov, ordinance target is 1 inch/week including rainfall.
Wichita Water Restriction FAQs
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