Lawn by Season
Stage 1 Voluntary Odd/Even
Through December 31, 2026

Flint Water Restrictions 2026

Genesee County · Michigan

Published:

Restrictions Active - Stage 1 Voluntary Odd/Even

3

Days/Week

Before 10:00 AM

Allowed Hours

No fines at Stage 1

Max Fine

Find Your Watering Day

Enter the last digit of your street address:

View full address schedule table
Address EndingWatering Day
OddMonday & Wednesday & Friday
EvenTuesday & Thursday & Saturday
Want an email when Flint'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

Voluntary odd/even guidance during active Stage 1.

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

No fines at Stage 1

Stage 1 Advisory is voluntary; enforcement begins at Stage 2.

Citations begin April 2026

🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions

HOAs cannot enforce lawn-appearance standards that would require homeowners to violate active municipal water ordinances. 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 City of Flint Water Department'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

City of Flint Water Department serves Flint and surrounding communities. Contact the utility directly at https://cityofflint.com/water for current stage status and restriction details.

Rainfall Deficit: See City of Flint Water Department for current deficit data

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

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Flint Water Restrictions

11 tips tailored for Flint homeowners during Stage 1 Voluntary Odd/Even restrictions.

Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue dominate Flint lawns.

Mow to 3.5 inches and leave clippings.

Smart controller rebates available through City of Flint Water Department.

Replace parkway strips with region-appropriate natives.

Drip-irrigate vegetable beds and fruit trees.

Fix leaks within 48 hours.

Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles, saves 30%.

Skip cycles after any 0.25 inch or greater rainfall.

Harvest rainwater where state law permits.

Group plants by hydrozone.

Track monthly use at cityofflint.com/water.

Flint Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in Flint?
Your watering day in Flint depends on your street address. Addresses ending in Odd can water on Monday and Wednesday and Friday. Addresses ending in Even can water on Tuesday and Thursday and Saturday. You are limited to 3 days per week during the current Stage 1 Voluntary Odd/Even restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Flint?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in Flint is only allowed during the following hours: Before 10:00 AM, After 5:00 PM. Voluntary odd/even guidance during active Stage 1. 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 Flint?
Stage 1 Advisory is voluntary; enforcement begins at Stage 2. The City of Flint Water Department and local Genesee 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 Flint during restrictions?
New sod installations typically receive a 21-day establishment variance, confirm with the utility before installing.
When will water restrictions end in Flint?
The current Stage 1 Voluntary Odd/Even restrictions in Flint are effective from April 2026 through December 31, 2026. However, the restrictions may be extended if drought conditions persist or eased if significant rainfall improves water supply levels. Monitor the City of Flint Water Department website for updates.

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