Grand Rapids Water Restrictions 2026
Kent County · Michigan
Published:
Restrictions Active - Stage 1 Conservation Advisory - Voluntary Odd/Even
3
Days/Week
Before 10:00 AM
Allowed Hours
No fines at Stage 1; $150 if Stage 2 declared
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd (voluntary) | Monday & Wednesday & Friday |
| Even (voluntary) | Tuesday & Thursday & Saturday |
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; $150 if Stage 2 declared
Stage 1 is voluntary, no current fines. Stage 2 would implement mandatory odd/even with $150 first-offense citations.
Citations begin April 2026🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Michigan HOA law does not include specific xeriscape protection. Grand Rapids' advisory is voluntary so HOA protections are limited unless Stage 2 is declared.
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 Grand Rapids Water System'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
Grand Rapids sources water from Lake Michigan via the Lake Michigan Drive pipeline. Lake Michigan levels are near normal but the 2025–2026 winter snowpack in the Grand River watershed was 72% of normal. Kent County is in D1 Moderate Drought.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Grand Rapids area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Grand Rapids Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Grand Rapids homeowners during Stage 1 Conservation Advisory - Voluntary Odd/Even restrictions.
Cool-season Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue handle voluntary 3 days/week easily.
Mow to 3.5 inches and leave clippings.
Smart controller rebates through GR Water cover $40.
Replace parkway strips with Michigan natives.
Drip-irrigate vegetable beds and fruit trees.
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 grandrapidsmi.gov, Stage 1 targets voluntary 10% reduction.
Grand Rapids Water Restriction FAQs
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