Durham Water Restrictions 2026
Durham · North Carolina
Published: May 19, 2026Updated:
Restrictions Active - Stage 2 Water Shortage Response - spray irrigation prohibited
0
Days/Week
No spray irrigation with city water is permitted under Stage 2 (there are no watering days)
Allowed Hours
Written warning, then escalating penalties
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
This city assigns watering days by property location, not by address digit. Find your assigned days in the table below.
Watering schedule by property location
| Property Location | Watering Day |
|---|
Allowed Watering Hours
Durham has been under a Stage 2 Water Shortage Response since June 15, 2026, and Durham confirms it remains in effect. Under Stage 2, spray irrigation of landscapes with city water is PROHIBITED, so there are no assigned watering days. Hand watering, drip irrigation, and tree or shrub watering bags are still allowed. Do not use city water to wash vehicles (except at a commercial or institutional car wash), to clean sidewalks, driveways, decks or building exteriors (except for a health or safety issue or before painting), or to add water to decorative fountains, ponds or pools unless the water is recycled.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any time (hand watering, drip, and watering bags remain allowed under Stage 2).
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
Written warning, then escalating penalties
First violation: written warning. Subsequent violations: penalties per Durham's Water Shortage Response Plan. Durham Water monitors usage and responds to reports.
Citations begin June 15, 2026🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
No HOA can require increased water use during a mandatory drought response. NC law protects dormant or brown lawns during active restrictions.
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 Durham Department of Water Management'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 water comes from its own reservoirs, Lake Michie and the Little River Reservoir, not from Falls Lake (which is Raleigh Water's supply). Durham declared a Stage 2 Water Shortage Response effective June 15, 2026 as those reservoirs fell during the drought, and the city reports Stage 2 remains in effect. Durham County is among the North Carolina counties in exceptional (D4) drought as of July 9, 2026 (NC DEQ). Neighbouring Cary is lending Durham part of its Jordan Lake allocation to help through the shortage. Full Stage 2 rules are at DurhamSavesWater.org.
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
6 tips tailored for Durham homeowners during Stage 2 Water Shortage Response - spray irrigation prohibited restrictions.
Stage 2 prohibits spray irrigation with city water entirely; there are no watering days, so do not run sprinklers.
Hand watering, drip irrigation and tree or shrub watering bags are still allowed; prioritize mature trees over turf.
Tall Fescue, dominant in Durham, survives 4 to 6 weeks of dormancy; let it go brown and it recovers with fall rain.
Do not wash vehicles with city water at home; use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
Captured rainwater is unrestricted; a rain barrel is ideal for ornamentals during Stage 2.
Check DurhamSavesWater.org for the current stage and the full restriction list.
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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