Knoxville Water Restrictions 2026
Knox County · Tennessee
Published:
No active mandatory restrictions
No assigned schedule
Voluntary conservation
Any time
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 | No day-of-week restriction |
Allowed Watering Hours
Tennessee does not have a statewide mandatory watering ordinance. East Tennessee has escaped the worst of the 2026 drought, Knoxville Utilities Board has not issued restrictions as of April 2026. Check kub.org for any updates.
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
Knoxville has no active restrictions as of April 2026. East Tennessee is the least drought-affected region in the state.
🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
TN law does not have specific HOA protections, check CC&Rs.
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 Knoxville Utilities Board'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
East Tennessee / Knoxville has escaped the worst of the 2026 drought. TVA reservoirs in East Tennessee are closer to normal storage than other TN regions. Knoxville is in the transition zone, Tall Fescue dominant.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Knoxville area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are below seasonal targets, prompting regional voluntary conservation guidance.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Knoxville Water Restrictions
4 tips tailored for Knoxville homeowners during No active mandatory restrictions restrictions.
Tall Fescue (dominant Knoxville grass) handles dormancy well, allow browning under regional drought.
East TN least affected, no mandatory restrictions but conservation still encouraged.
Check kub.org for any new drought advisories.
Mow at 4 inches in summer to reduce evaporation on Fescue lawns.
Knoxville Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Knoxville?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Knoxville?
What are the fines for water violations in Knoxville?
Can I install new sod or seed in Knoxville during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Knoxville?
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