New Orleans Water Restrictions 2026
Orleans Parish · Louisiana
Published:
Stage 1 Voluntary Conservation Advisory
We have not independently verified this city’s watering schedule. Rules change with drought stage and can be updated at short notice. Confirm your assigned watering days on the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) official page before watering. Following the wrong schedule can result in a municipal fine.
Verification needed
Check with utility
Before 10:00 AM
Allowed Hours
Verification needed
Check with utility
Check Your Watering Day With New Orleans
We have not verified New Orleans’s current watering schedule against an official source. Watering rules are set by your city and change with drought stage.
Confirm your assigned days on New Orleans’s official water page: Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO).
Allowed Watering Hours
Voluntary odd/even guidance. No mid-day irrigation 10 AM – 4 PM recommended.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any time.
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
No fines at Stage 1
Enforcement begins at Stage 2, not yet triggered. Stage 2 would implement mandatory odd/even with $100 citations.
🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Louisiana HOA law defers to municipal declarations at Stage 2+.
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 Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans. 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
SWBNO faces unique challenges from Mississippi River saltwater intrusion during low-flow periods. The 2023 saltwater wedge threatened New Orleans drinking water; 2026 conditions are monitored closely. Orleans Parish in D0 abnormally dry as of April 2026.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the New Orleans area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During New Orleans Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for New Orleans homeowners during Stage 1 Voluntary Conservation Advisory restrictions.
St. Augustine and Zoysia dominate New Orleans lawns.
Mow St. Augustine at 3.5–4 inches.
SWBNO smart controller rebates limited, check swbno.org.
Replace parkway strips with Louisiana natives, Louisiana Iris, Spider Lily.
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 swbno.org.
New Orleans Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in New Orleans?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in New Orleans?
What are the fines for water violations in New Orleans?
Can I install new sod or seed in New Orleans during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in New Orleans?
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