Milwaukee Water Restrictions 2026
Milwaukee County · Wisconsin
Published:
Restrictions Active - Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even (June–September)
2
Days/Week
Before 11:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$100 first offense
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
Enter the last digit of your street address:
View full address schedule table
| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd | Monday & Thursday |
| Even | Tuesday & Friday |
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor irrigation between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM from June 1 through September 30.
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
Milwaukee Water Works issues $100 first-offense citations.
Citations begin June 1 (annual seasonal) · permanent🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Wisconsin HOA law requires acceptance of municipal ordinances.
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 Milwaukee Water Works'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
Milwaukee draws from Lake Michigan, ample supply. The seasonal ordinance manages summer peak demand. Lake Michigan levels are near seasonal norms.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Milwaukee area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Milwaukee Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Milwaukee homeowners during Permanent Seasonal Odd/Even (June–September) restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass dominates Milwaukee lawns.
Mow to 3.5 inches.
MWW smart controller rebates cover $50.
Replace parkway strips with Wisconsin natives.
Drip-irrigate vegetable beds.
Fix leaks within 48 hours.
Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles.
Skip cycles after any 0.25"+ rainfall.
Harvest rainwater.
Group plants by hydrozone.
Track monthly use at milwaukee.gov/MWW.
Milwaukee Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Milwaukee?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Milwaukee?
What are the fines for water violations in Milwaukee?
Can I install new sod or seed in Milwaukee during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Milwaukee?
Get alerts for Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We will email you when Milwaukee restrictions change – escalations, new stages, or lifted restrictions.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Other Wisconsin Cities with Water Restrictions
Community Reports & Questions
Share an update, ask a question, or report a change in your local restrictions.
No community reports yet
Be the first to share a local update, ask a question, or report a change in your area's restrictions.