Lawn by Season
Year-Round Ordinance: Municipal Code 13.56 (UNLAWFUL to violate)
Through December 31, 2026

South Salt Lake Water Restrictions 2026

Salt Lake County · Utah

Published:

Restrictions Active - Year-Round Ordinance: Municipal Code 13.56 (UNLAWFUL to violate)

3

Days/Week

Before 10:00 AM

Allowed Hours

Monetary fines per 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
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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 10:00 AMAfter 6:00 PM

Municipal Code Chapter 13.56 (Ordinance 13.56.180) PROHIBITS outdoor watering between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Violation is UNLAWFUL and subject to monetary fines.

Still Allowed

💧 Hand Watering

Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day before 10:00 AM or after 6:00 PM.

🌿 Drip Irrigation

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

Fines & Enforcement

Monetary fines per violation

It is UNLAWFUL to water between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM under South Salt Lake Municipal Code Chapter 13.56 (Ordinance 13.56.180). Violations carry monetary fines enforced by code enforcement officers.

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 South Salt Lake City Utilities'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

South Salt Lake enforces one of the strictest watering ordinances along the Wasatch Front, with Municipal Code Chapter 13.56 making midday watering explicitly UNLAWFUL. The city draws water from the same stressed Salt Lake Valley aquifer system and mountain sources as its neighbors. With 98% of Utah in drought and the 2025–2026 snowpack at record lows, South Salt Lake’s enforcement-first approach aims to set an example for the region. The Mill Creek and Jordan River waterways that border the city are at historically low flows.

In 2026, the city began actively enforcing Ordinance 13.56.180 with inspectors patrolling neighborhoods and leaving hang-tag warnings on doors for violations. The city was required to enact this ordinance to qualify for state funding for a new well. South Salt Lake is also offering significant incentives for water-wise landscaping conversions, Jordan Valley Conservation District rebates of up to $4,000 are available. South Salt Lake per capita water use is up 13.5% vs last year. Monitor sslc.gov for updates and rebate programs.

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 South Salt Lake area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During South Salt Lake Water Restrictions

5 tips tailored for South Salt Lake homeowners during Year-Round Ordinance: Municipal Code 13.56 (UNLAWFUL to violate) restrictions.

Be aware that watering between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM is UNLAWFUL in South Salt Lake, code enforcement actively patrols during these hours.

Water deeply (0.75 inches per session) on your three allowed days rather than frequent shallow watering to build deep roots.

Mow Kentucky Bluegrass at 3–3.5 inches to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Convert low-traffic turf areas to water-wise landscaping using the Localscapes approach to permanently reduce water demand.

Inspect your sprinkler system for leaks and overspray onto sidewalks and driveways, visible waste may trigger citations.

South Salt Lake Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in South Salt Lake?
Your watering day in South Salt Lake 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: Municipal Code 13.56 (UNLAWFUL to violate) restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in South Salt Lake?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in South Salt Lake is only allowed during the following hours: Before 10:00 AM, After 6:00 PM. Municipal Code Chapter 13.56 (Ordinance 13.56.180) PROHIBITS outdoor watering between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Violation is UNLAWFUL and subject to monetary fines. 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 South Salt Lake?
It is UNLAWFUL to water between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM under South Salt Lake Municipal Code Chapter 13.56 (Ordinance 13.56.180). Violations carry monetary fines enforced by code enforcement officers. The South Salt Lake City Utilities 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 South Salt Lake during restrictions?
New lawn installations must comply with the year-round watering ordinance. Contact the city for any establishment watering variances.
When will water restrictions end in South Salt Lake?
The current Year-Round Ordinance: Municipal Code 13.56 (UNLAWFUL to violate) restrictions in South Salt Lake 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 South Salt Lake City Utilities website for updates.

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