Buffalo Water Restrictions 2026
Erie County · New York
Published:
Restrictions Active - Permanent Odd/Even
2
Days/Week
Before 10:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$100 first
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
Enter the last digit of your street address:
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd | Tuesday & Saturday |
| Even | Wednesday & Sunday |
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor irrigation 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
$100 first
$100 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 Buffalo Water Board'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
Buffalo Water Board serves Buffalo and surrounding communities. Contact the utility directly at https://buffalony.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 Buffalo area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Buffalo Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Buffalo homeowners during Permanent Odd/Even restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass and fine fescue dominate Buffalo lawns.
Mow to 3.5 inches and leave clippings.
Smart controller rebates available through Buffalo Water Board.
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 buffalony.gov/water.
Buffalo Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Buffalo?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Buffalo?
What are the fines for water violations in Buffalo?
Can I install new sod or seed in Buffalo during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Buffalo?
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