Detroit Water Restrictions 2026
Wayne County · Michigan
Published:
Restrictions Active - Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even Schedule (April 1 – October 31)
3
Days/Week
Before 10:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$100 first offense
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd | Monday & Wednesday & Saturday |
| Even | Tuesday & Thursday & Sunday |
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor irrigation between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM from April 1 through October 31. Schedule applies regardless of drought conditions.
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
$100 first offense
GLWA issues $100 citations for first offenses. Commercial face up to $500. Education-first during April–May; enforcement patrols active June–September.
Citations begin April 1 (annual seasonal) · permanent ordinance🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Michigan HOA law does not include specific xeriscape protection, but the GLWA seasonal ordinance is a municipal-level restriction that HOAs cannot override. Document compliance if your HOA sends a violation notice.
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 Great Lakes Water Authority. 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
GLWA serves 4 million people across Southeast Michigan via Lake Huron and Detroit River intakes. Great Lakes levels remain near normal but seasonal conservation exists to manage peak demand during summer, prevent sewer overflow at treatment plants, and protect downstream water quality. Southeast Michigan saw D1 Moderate Drought in early 2026, the first in several years.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Detroit area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Detroit Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Detroit homeowners during Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even Schedule (April 1 – October 31) restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue dominate Detroit lawns, both handle 3 days/week in Michigan's climate.
Mow to 3.5 inches and leave clippings.
GLWA smart controller rebates cover $50 on WaterSense units.
Replace parkway strips with Michigan natives, Butterfly Milkweed, Little Bluestem.
Drip-irrigate vegetable beds and raised planters.
Fix leaks within 48 hours.
Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles, saves 30%.
Skip cycles after any 0.25"+ rainfall.
Harvest rainwater, Michigan encourages residential rain barrels.
Group plants by hydrozone.
Track monthly use at glwater.org, seasonal targets 15% reduction vs. prior August.
Detroit Water Restriction FAQs
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What hours can I run my sprinklers in Detroit?
What are the fines for water violations in Detroit?
Can I install new sod or seed in Detroit during restrictions?
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