Philadelphia Water Restrictions 2026
Philadelphia County · Pennsylvania
Published:
Restrictions Active - Drought Watch - Voluntary Odd/Even (June–September)
2
Days/Week
Before 9:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$100 first offense
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd | Monday & Thursday |
| Even | Tuesday & Friday |
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor sprinkler irrigation between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM from June 1 through September 30. No Saturday or Sunday automated irrigation.
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 offense
PWD issues $100 first-offense citations under Drought Watch. Commercial face up to $500.
Citations begin August 2025🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Pennsylvania HOA law requires HOAs to accept PWD's Drought Watch, HOAs cannot override municipal-level declarations.
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 Philadelphia Water Department. 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
Southeast PA entered Drought Watch in August 2025 for the first time since 2010. Delaware River Basin Commission flagged flow deficits in the non-tidal Delaware. PWD serves 1.5 million customers from Delaware River and Schuylkill River intakes. Both sources are at 85% of normal flow.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Philadelphia area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Philadelphia Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Philadelphia homeowners during Drought Watch - Voluntary Odd/Even (June–September) restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue dominate Philadelphia lawns, both handle 2 days/week.
Mow to 3.5–4 inches.
PWD smart controller rebates cover $50.
Replace parkway strips with PA natives, Eastern Red Cedar, Little Bluestem.
Drip-irrigate vegetable beds and container gardens.
Fix leaks within 48 hours.
Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles.
Skip cycles after any 0.25"+ rainfall.
Harvest rainwater, PWD distributes free rain barrels through its annual program.
Group plants by hydrozone.
Track monthly use at phila.gov/water, Drought Watch targets 10% reduction vs. prior August.
Philadelphia Water Restriction FAQs
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What hours can I run my sprinklers in Philadelphia?
What are the fines for water violations in Philadelphia?
Can I install new sod or seed in Philadelphia during restrictions?
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