Durham Water Restrictions 2026
Durham · North Carolina
Published:
Restrictions Active - Year-Round Permanent Odd/Even Watering Schedule + 2026 Drought Advisory
2
Days/Week
Before 10:00 a.m.
Allowed Hours
Written warning → escalating fines
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
Enter the last digit of your street address:
View full address schedule table
| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd addresses | Tuesday & Thursday & Saturday |
| Even addresses | Wednesday & Friday & Sunday |
Allowed Watering Hours
Durham has a permanent city ordinance requiring odd/even watering schedules year-round. Under D2/D3 drought, NCUC default restrictions may apply on top of Durham's permanent rules, whichever is stricter governs. Check durhamnc.gov for current drought stage.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any time.
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
Written warning → escalating fines
First violation: written warning. Subsequent violations: fines per Durham Water Shortage Response Plan. Durham Water monitors usage and responds to complaints.
Citations begin Year-round (permanent)🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
No HOA can require increased water use during drought.
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 Local'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
Durham's primary water source is Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir, both in the Falls Lake watershed. Jordan Lake serves as a secondary supply via the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility which Durham can draw from under regional agreements. Durham County is in extreme drought as of March 31, 2026. Durham has had a permanent odd/even watering ordinance for years, it is one of the few NC cities with a year-round conservation framework. The current extreme drought intensifies these permanent rules.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Durham area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Durham Water Restrictions
4 tips tailored for Durham homeowners during Year-Round Permanent Odd/Even Watering Schedule + 2026 Drought Advisory restrictions.
Durham has year-round odd/even rules even outside drought, always follow them
Water before 10am on your assigned days
Tall Fescue in Durham benefits from the overnight-heavy restrictions, deep watering on allowed days is ideal
Durham offers separate irrigation meters for lower rates, apply through Durham Engineering Services
Durham Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Durham?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Durham?
What are the fines for water violations in Durham?
Can I install new sod or seed in Durham during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Durham?
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