Columbia Water Restrictions 2026
Richland County · South Carolina
Published:
No active mandatory restrictions - voluntary conservation
No assigned schedule
Voluntary conservation
Before 10:00 a.m.
Allowed Hours
No fines
Voluntary, no penalties
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 |
|---|---|
| All addresses (voluntary) | 2 days per week recommended |
Allowed Watering Hours
South Carolina has no statewide mandatory watering ordinance. Columbia Midlands is in the Catawba-Wateree basin, same basin as Charlotte, NC. Check columbiascwater.com for current status.
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
No mandatory fines, voluntary conservation
Columbia has no active mandatory restrictions as of April 2026.
🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
SC law limits HOA authority during active drought 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 Columbia Water'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
97% of SC in drought as of April 2026. Columbia Midlands in severe drought. Catawba-Wateree Basin is in LIP Stage 1, voluntary conservation request matches Charlotte, NC's Stage 1 Watch.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Columbia area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are below seasonal targets, prompting regional voluntary conservation guidance.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Columbia Water Restrictions
4 tips tailored for Columbia homeowners during No active mandatory restrictions - voluntary conservation restrictions.
Columbia is warm-season dominant, Bermuda and Zoysia handle drought well.
Centipede gaining share in Midlands, but water-sensitive during drought.
Catawba-Wateree LIP Stage 1, voluntary 2 days/week conservation.
Check columbiascwater.com for current drought advisory level.
Columbia Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Columbia?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Columbia?
What are the fines for water violations in Columbia?
Can I install new sod or seed in Columbia during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Columbia?
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