Zebulon Water Restrictions 2026
Wake / Johnston Counties · 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 Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd addresses (Raleigh customers) | Tuesday |
| Even addresses (Raleigh customers) | Wednesday |
Allowed Watering Hours
Mandatory Stage 1 restrictions effective April 20, 2026 for Raleigh water customers. Stage 1 permits in-ground sprinkler irrigation 1 day per week, midnight–10am, on your assigned day (odd Tuesday, even Wednesday). Hose-end sprinklers are restricted under Stage 1, see raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/services/water-conservation-stages for the authoritative restriction list. Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle, drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and bucket watering remain permitted any day. Johnston County PU customers follow that utility's own schedule, check your water bill to identify your provider.
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
Raleigh customers: $200 first, $400 repeat. Johnston County PU customers: check that utility's fine schedule.
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 / Johnston County PU. 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
Zebulon straddles Wake and Johnston counties. Wake County portions served by City of Raleigh water follow mandatory Stage 1 restrictions effective April 20, 2026. Johnston County portions served by Johnston County Public Utilities follow that utility's own schedule, check your water bill to identify your provider. For Raleigh water customers, monitor raleighnc.gov/water.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Zebulon area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Zebulon Water Restrictions
6 tips tailored for Zebulon homeowners during Mandatory Stage 1 - Raleigh Water Customer restrictions.
Identify your water provider FIRST, Raleigh and Johnston County PU have different schedules and rules.
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 Zebulon grass, let it dormant-brown in summer.
Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle is allowed any day, any time.
Eastern Wake County (Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon), all Raleigh customers share Stage 1 schedule.
Monitor raleighnc.gov/water and your specific utility for weekly updates.
Zebulon Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Zebulon?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Zebulon?
What are the fines for water violations in Zebulon?
Can I install new sod or seed in Zebulon during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Zebulon?
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