Lawn by Season
Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory (Stricter Hours)
Through December 31, 2026

Millcreek Water Restrictions 2026

Salt Lake County · Utah

Published:

Restrictions Active - Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory (Stricter Hours)

3

Days/Week

Before 8:00 AM

Allowed Hours

Varies by violation

Max Fine

Find Your Watering Day

Enter the last digit of your street address:

View full address schedule table
Address EndingWatering Day
OddMonday & Wednesday & Saturday
EvenTuesday & Thursday & Sunday
Want an email when Millcreek's rules change?
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

Before 8:00 AMAfter 8:00 PM

Millcreek enforces STRICTER hours than most Utah cities: no outdoor watering between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Grass must be maintained at 2–3 inches.

Still Allowed

💧 Hand Watering

Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day before 8:00 AM or after 8:00 PM.

🌿 Drip Irrigation

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

Fines & Enforcement

Varies by violation

Millcreek may issue fines for repeated violations of the watering ordinance and the 2–3 inch grass height requirement.

Citations begin January 1, 2026

🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions

Utah law (SB 152, 2022) prohibits HOAs from penalizing homeowners for replacing turf with water-wise landscaping.

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 Millcreek City'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

Millcreek enforces stricter watering hours than most Wasatch Front cities, banning irrigation between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM to maximize absorption during cooler periods. The city is bordered by Mill Creek canyon, a critical watershed that feeds the Salt Lake Valley’s water supply, and stream flows are at historic lows due to the 2025–2026 record-low snowpack. With 98% of Utah in drought, Millcreek’s tighter restrictions reflect the severity of local conditions. The city also requires residents to maintain grass at 2–3 inches to balance water conservation with neighborhood standards.

Rainfall Deficit: Snowpack at 35% of normal

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

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Millcreek Water Restrictions

4 tips tailored for Millcreek homeowners during Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory (Stricter Hours) restrictions.

Note Millcreek’s stricter hours: water only before 8:00 AM or after 8:00 PM, two hours tighter than most neighboring cities.

Maintain your Kentucky Bluegrass at the city-required 2–3 inches; this height balances water conservation with turf health.

Water between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM for the best absorption with minimal evaporation in Millcreek’s arid climate.

Aerate in early fall to break up the compacted clay soils common throughout the Salt Lake Valley and improve water infiltration.

Millcreek Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in Millcreek?
Your watering day in Millcreek depends on your street address. Addresses ending in Odd can water on Monday and Wednesday and Saturday. Addresses ending in Even can water on Tuesday and Thursday and Sunday. You are limited to 3 days per week during the current Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory (Stricter Hours) restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Millcreek?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in Millcreek is only allowed during the following hours: Before 8:00 AM, After 8:00 PM. Millcreek enforces STRICTER hours than most Utah cities: no outdoor watering between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Grass must be maintained at 2–3 inches. 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 Millcreek?
Millcreek may issue fines for repeated violations of the watering ordinance and the 2–3 inch grass height requirement. The Millcreek City and local Salt Lake 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 Millcreek during restrictions?
New lawn installations should use drought-tolerant varieties. Grass must be maintained at 2–3 inches per city ordinance.
When will water restrictions end in Millcreek?
The current Year-Round Ordinance + Drought Advisory (Stricter Hours) restrictions in Millcreek are effective from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. However, the restrictions may be extended if drought conditions persist or eased if significant rainfall improves water supply levels. Monitor the Millcreek City website for updates.

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