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Drought Watch - TMWA Year-Round Restrictions
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Reno Water Restrictions 2026

Washoe County · Nevada

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Restrictions Active - Drought Watch - TMWA Year-Round Restrictions

3

Days/Week

Before 11:00 a.m.

Allowed Hours

Warning first offense; $100+ repeat

Max Fine

Find Your Watering Day

Enter the last digit of your street address:

View full address schedule table
Address EndingWatering Day
EvenMonday & Wednesday & Friday
OddTuesday & Thursday & Saturday
Want an email when Reno'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 a.m.After 7:00 p.m.

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) serves Reno and Sparks with year-round watering restrictions that apply regardless of drought status, 3 days/week on even/odd schedule, no watering between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Still Allowed

💧 Hand Watering

Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any time outside 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. with a shut-off nozzle.

🌿 Drip Irrigation

Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.

Fines & Enforcement

Warning first offense; $100+ repeat

TMWA enforces with warnings on the first off-schedule violation. Repeat violations carry fines starting at $100. Year-round schedule is enforceable regardless of drought stage.

Citations begin Year-round permanent schedule

🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions

Nevada law (NRS 116.4225) prohibits HOAs from requiring residents to maintain landscaping in violation of TMWA water rules. HOAs cannot fine residents for following the year-round 3-day schedule.

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 Truckee Meadows 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

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) serves Reno and Sparks with year-round watering restrictions that apply regardless of drought status, 3 days/week on even/odd schedule, no watering between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. In 2026, TMWA has issued a Drought Watch due to below-normal snowpack in the Sierra Nevada and Truckee River basin. The Lahontan Reservoir and Lake Tahoe tributaries are running below average. TMWA is requesting voluntary 10% reductions beyond the standard schedule.

Note: Las Vegas (Southern Nevada Water Authority) operates entirely separately from TMWA, they are different utilities with different rules. Monitor tmwa.com for current conditions and updates.

Rainfall Deficit: Sierra Nevada snowpack below normal. Truckee River basin running below average. TMWA Drought Watch 2026.

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

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Reno Water Restrictions

6 tips tailored for Reno homeowners during Drought Watch - TMWA Year-Round Restrictions restrictions.

TMWA's 3-day schedule is year-round, Even Mon/Wed/Fri, Odd Tue/Thu/Sat. Program your controller now.

No watering 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. ever. Best window is 4–8 a.m. for lowest evaporation in Reno's high-desert climate.

Reno gets only ~7 inches of annual precipitation, Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass need supplemental irrigation through summer.

Consider Buffalo Grass or Blue Grama for any new planting, both natives need a fraction of the water of cool-season turf.

TMWA offers turf conversion rebates, check tmwa.com for current incentive amounts.

Cycle-and-soak on Reno's clay/decomposed-granite soils: 8 min on, 30 min off, 8 min on to prevent runoff.

Reno Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in Reno?
Your watering day in Reno depends on your street address. Addresses ending in Even can water on Monday and Wednesday and Friday. Addresses ending in Odd can water on Tuesday and Thursday and Saturday. You are limited to 3 days per week during the current Drought Watch - TMWA Year-Round Restrictions restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Reno?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in Reno is only allowed during the following hours: Before 11:00 a.m., After 7:00 p.m.. Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) serves Reno and Sparks with year-round watering restrictions that apply regardless of drought status, 3 days/week on even/odd schedule, no watering between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. 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 Reno?
TMWA enforces with warnings on the first off-schedule violation. Repeat violations carry fines starting at $100. Year-round schedule is enforceable regardless of drought stage. The Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) and local Washoe 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 Reno during restrictions?
New sod establishment variances available, contact TMWA before installing.
When will water restrictions end in Reno?
The current Drought Watch - TMWA Year-Round Restrictions restrictions in Reno are effective from Year-round permanent schedule through Year-round permanent schedule. However, the restrictions may be extended if drought conditions persist or eased if significant rainfall improves water supply levels. Monitor the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) website for updates.

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