Manchester Water Restrictions 2026
Hillsborough County · New Hampshire
Published: Updated:
Restrictions Active - Stage 1 Conservation Advisory - 2026 Drought Monitoring
3
Days/Week
Before 10:00 AM
Allowed Hours
No fines at Stage 1; $100 if Stage 2 declared
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
Enter the last digit of your street address:
View full address schedule table
| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd (voluntary) | Monday & Wednesday & Friday |
| Even (voluntary) | Tuesday & Thursday & Saturday |
Allowed Watering Hours
Voluntary odd/even guidance during active Stage 1. No mid-day irrigation recommended between 10:00 AM and 5:00 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
No fines at Stage 1; $100 if Stage 2 declared
Stage 1 Advisory is voluntary; enforcement begins at Stage 2 with $100 first-offense citations. Contact Manchester Water Works for current status.
Citations begin April 2026🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
HOAs in New Hampshire cannot enforce lawn appearance standards that would require homeowners to violate active municipal water advisories. 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 Manchester Water Works'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
Manchester is monitored for drought conditions in 2026. Manchester Water Works serves area residents from Lake Massabesic and coordinates with state drought agencies. The Federal National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) classifies the region under moderate drought.
Neighbouring Salem, NH (about 12 miles south, in Rockingham County) became the first New Hampshire community to adopt mandatory water restrictions in 2026, in effect since May 15. Manchester Water Works has not escalated to mandatory restrictions as of mid-May 2026 and continues to operate a voluntary Stage 1 Conservation Advisory; residents are encouraged to follow the voluntary odd/even guidance and avoid mid-day irrigation. If Merrimack basin conditions worsen, Manchester Water Works can escalate to mandatory Stage 2 with $100 first-offence fines.
Contact Manchester Water Works at https://www.manchesternh.gov/water for current stage status and restriction details.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Manchester area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Manchester Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Manchester homeowners during Stage 1 Conservation Advisory - 2026 Drought Monitoring restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue dominate Manchester lawns.
Mow to 3.5 inches and leave clippings.
Smart controller rebates available through Manchester Water Works.
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 www.manchesternh.gov/water.
Manchester Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Manchester?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Manchester?
What are the fines for water violations in Manchester?
Can I install new sod or seed in Manchester during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Manchester?
Get alerts for Manchester, New Hampshire
We will email you when Manchester restrictions change – escalations, new stages, or lifted restrictions.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Other New Hampshire Cities with Water Restrictions
Community Reports & Questions
Share an update, ask a question, or report a change in your local restrictions.
No community reports yet
Be the first to share a local update, ask a question, or report a change in your area's restrictions.