Lawn by Season
Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer

Wendell Water Restrictions 2026

Wake County · North Carolina

Published: Updated:

Restrictions Active - Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer

1

Day/Week

Midnight – 10:00 a.m. (in-ground sprinkler systems only, on your assigned day)

Allowed Hours

$200 first offense / $400 repeat

Max Fine

Find Your Watering Day

Enter the last digit of your street address:

View full address schedule table
Address EndingWatering Day
Odd addressesTuesday
Even addressesWednesday
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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

Midnight – 10:00 a.m. (in-ground sprinkler systems only, on your assigned day)

Mandatory Stage 1 restrictions effective April 20, 2026. Some Wendell customers are served by Johnston County Public Utilities, check your water bill to confirm your provider and applicable restrictions. Stage 1 permits in-ground irrigation only 1 day per week (odd Tuesday, even Wednesday), midnight to 10 a.m., for Raleigh water customers. Hose-end sprinklers are restricted under Stage 1.

Still Allowed

💧 Hand Watering

Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any time, any day.

🌿 Drip Irrigation

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

Fines & Enforcement

$200 first offense / $400 repeat

Same fine schedule as Raleigh: $200 first, $400 repeat.

Citations begin April 20, 2026

🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions

NC law (G.S. 143-355.2) prohibits HOAs from fining residents for dormant or brown lawns during active mandatory drought 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 current restriction order from City of Raleigh Public Utilities. 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

Wendell is a Raleigh water customer and is subject to the mandatory Stage 1 outdoor watering restrictions effective April 20, 2026. The same odd/even overnight schedule applies. Some Wendell customers are served by Johnston County Public Utilities, check your water bill to confirm your provider and applicable restrictions.

Rainfall Deficit: Driest October–March on record since 1895 at RDU. Falls Lake at 84%.

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

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Wendell Water Restrictions

6 tips tailored for Wendell homeowners during Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer restrictions.

Confirm your water provider, Raleigh vs Johnston County PU, on your most recent bill.

Raleigh customers: odd Tuesday only midnight–10am, even Wednesday only midnight–10am. Stage 1 permits in-ground irrigation only 1 day per week.

Tall Fescue is the dominant Wendell grass, handles summer dormancy and rebounds in fall.

Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle is allowed any day, any time.

Eastern Wake County (Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon) all share Raleigh's Stage 1 schedule.

Monitor raleighnc.gov/water for weekly updates.

Wendell Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in Wendell?
Your watering day in Wendell depends on your street address. Addresses ending in Odd addresses can water on Tuesday. Addresses ending in Even addresses can water on Wednesday. You are limited to 1 day per week during the current Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Wendell?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in Wendell is only allowed during the following hours: Midnight – 10:00 a.m. (in-ground sprinkler systems only, on your assigned day). Mandatory Stage 1 restrictions effective April 20, 2026. Some Wendell customers are served by Johnston County Public Utilities, check your water bill to confirm your provider and applicable restrictions. Stage 1 permits in-ground irrigation only 1 day per week (odd Tuesday, even Wednesday), midnight to 10 a.m., for Raleigh water customers. Hose-end sprinklers are restricted under Stage 1. 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 Wendell?
Same fine schedule as Raleigh: $200 first, $400 repeat. The City of Raleigh Public Utilities (serves Wendell) and local Wake 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 Wendell during restrictions?
New landscape establishment permits prohibited during Stage 1.
When will water restrictions end in Wendell?
The current Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer restrictions in Wendell are effective from April 20, 2026 Until Wake County drought monitor downgrade. However, the restrictions may be extended if drought conditions persist or eased if significant rainfall improves water supply levels. Monitor the City of Raleigh Public Utilities (serves Wendell) website for updates.

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