Year-Round Lawn Irrigation Water Rules Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
On September 16, 2008, the Raleigh City Council approved everyday Mandatory Water Conservation measures. More details
Who is impacted by the new mandatory rules?
The new measures will apply to all City of Raleigh water customers, including those in nearby towns that have merged their water and sewer systems with Raleigh and now receive water from the Capital City. Those towns are Garner, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon.
Which lawn irrigation systems are affected by the water conservation rules?
The City of Raleigh everyday water use restrictions provide for irrigation three days per week. Odd property addresses are permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and even property addresses on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Irrigation on those days by automatic irrigation systems will only be permitted from midnight to 10:00 a.m. Those who use Raleigh-supplied water in garden hose attached lawn irrigation sprinklers may irrigate only from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and also between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the assigned days for their property.
City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department water customers may water any time when physically holding a garden hose in their hand.
Any more restrictions other than lawn irrigation?
Not under everyday water use measures. There are NO RESTRICTIONS on car washing, power/pressure washing, and filling swimming and decorative pools.
What are the penalties for violating the year-round lawn irrigation water conservation rules?
A first violation of the water conservation rules will result in a written warning, a civil penalty of $50 for a second violation, and $200 for a third violation. A fourth violation will result in interruption of the customer’s water service.
To report violators or for information: email waterconservation@ci.raleigh.nc.us.
Why is the City of Raleigh implementing these mandatory year-round lawn irrigation rules?
The new rules were among the recommendations made by the City’s Water Conservation Task Force in a comprehensive report to the City Council in the summer of 2006. New water supply sources are very expensive and very difficult to develop. The City is implementing the new water conservation rules to extend the capacity of the City’s current and future water supply sources, especially in times of severe drought. Several North Carolina municipalities already have similar restrictions, including Cary, Greensboro and Fayetteville.
What if I have new sod and have a New Landscape Establishment Permit?
To obtain a permit, call Public Utilities at 919-857-4540. With the permit, you are allowed to irrigate any day for 45 days from the date of planting.
 In addition to complying with the water conservation rules, what can City of Raleigh water customers do voluntarily to help conserve water?
For information about voluntary water conservation tips, click here or contact the City’s Public Utilities Department at 919-857-4540 or the City’s Public Affairs Department, 919-996-3100.
More details on the Mandatory Year-Round Water Conservation Measures
For More Information Contact:
Ed Buchan
Water Conservation Specialist
Public Utilities Department
P.O. Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-857-4540
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