Lawn by Season
Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even
Through December 31, 2026

Billings Water Restrictions 2026

Yellowstone County · Montana

Published:

Restrictions Active - Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even

2

Days/Week

Before 10:00 AM

Allowed Hours

$50 first

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 Billings'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 6:00 PM

No outdoor irrigation between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

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

$50 first

$50 first-offense citation; escalates within 12 months.

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 Billings Water Division'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 Billings Water Division serves Billings and surrounding communities. Contact the utility directly at https://billingsmt.gov/water for current stage status and restriction details.

Rainfall Deficit: See City of Billings Water Division for current deficit data

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

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Billings Water Restrictions

11 tips tailored for Billings homeowners during Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even restrictions.

Kentucky Bluegrass and fine fescue dominate Billings lawns.

Mow to 3.5 inches and leave clippings.

Smart controller rebates available through City of Billings Water Division.

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 billingsmt.gov/water.

Billings Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in Billings?
Your watering day in Billings 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 Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Billings?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in Billings is only allowed during the following hours: Before 10:00 AM, After 6:00 PM. No outdoor irrigation between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. 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 Billings?
$50 first-offense citation; escalates within 12 months. The City of Billings Water Division and local Yellowstone 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 Billings during restrictions?
New sod installations typically receive a 21-day establishment variance, confirm with the utility before installing.
When will water restrictions end in Billings?
The current Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even restrictions in Billings 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 Billings Water Division website for updates.

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