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

Saint Paul Water Restrictions 2026

Ramsey County · Minnesota

Published:

Restrictions Active - Stage 1 Mandatory Odd/Even Conservation

2

Days/Week

Before 11:00 AM

Allowed Hours

$100 first offense

Max Fine

Find Your Watering Day

Enter the last digit of your street address:

View full address schedule table
Address EndingWatering Day
OddTuesday & Saturday
EvenWednesday & Sunday
Want an email when Saint Paul'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 11:00 AMAfter 5:00 PM

No outdoor irrigation between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM under 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

$100 first offense

SPRWS issues $100 first-offense citations. Commercial face up to $500. Second offense within 12 months: $250.

Citations begin July 2025

🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions

Minnesota HOA law does not include specific xeriscape protection; municipal ordinance takes precedence during active stage declarations.

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 Saint Paul Regional Water Services. 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

Saint Paul Regional Water Services serves 440,000 customers from the Mississippi River. SPRWS declared Stage 1 in July 2025 after the driest May-June on record. Same drivers as Minneapolis, 2025-2026 Upper Mississippi snowpack 67% of normal.

Rainfall Deficit: Upper Mississippi snowpack 67% · driest May–June on record

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

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Saint Paul Water Restrictions

11 tips tailored for Saint Paul homeowners during Stage 1 Mandatory Odd/Even Conservation restrictions.

Kentucky Bluegrass dominates Saint Paul lawns, handles 2 days/week on Stage 1.

Mow to 3.5 inches and leave clippings.

SPRWS smart controller rebates cover $50.

Replace parkway strips with Minnesota natives.

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 stpaul.gov, Stage 1 targets 15% reduction vs. prior August.

Saint Paul Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in Saint Paul?
Your watering day in Saint Paul depends on your street address. Addresses ending in Odd can water on Tuesday and Saturday. Addresses ending in Even can water on Wednesday and Sunday. You are limited to 2 days per week during the current Stage 1 Mandatory Odd/Even Conservation restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Saint Paul?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in Saint Paul is only allowed during the following hours: Before 11:00 AM, After 5:00 PM. No outdoor irrigation between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM under 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 Saint Paul?
SPRWS issues $100 first-offense citations. Commercial face up to $500. Second offense within 12 months: $250. The Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) and local Ramsey 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 Saint Paul during restrictions?
New sod installations receive 21-day establishment variance.
When will water restrictions end in Saint Paul?
The current Stage 1 Mandatory Odd/Even Conservation restrictions in Saint Paul are effective from July 2025 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 Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) website for updates.

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