Stage 1 of the Water Shortage Response Plan, regardless of weather conditions, applies from May 1 to October 15.
The intent is for watering to take place in the early morning hours, when demand is low and evaporation is minimal. The policy affects both residential and non-residential areas, and the permitted watering hours are summarized below.
NEW FOR 2022
Residential
Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays only
Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays only
- Automatic watering from 5:00 to 7:00 am only
- Manual watering from 6:00 am to 9:00 am
Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day from 5:00 am to 9:00 am if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Edible plants are exempt from regulations
Non-residential
Even-numbered addresses: Mondays only
Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays only
- Automatic watering from 4:00 to 6:00 am only
- Manual watering from 6:00 am to 9:00 am
Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day from 4:00 am to 9:00 am if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Edible plants are exempt from regulations
Automatic watering means applying water using an automated water delivery system that requires only minimal human intervention or supervision and typically employs mechanical, electronic, or other components and devices, including but not limited to timers, sensors, computers, or mechanical appliances.
Manual watering means applying water using a device or tool that is manually held or operated by a human being, without automatic watering.
Check out the Lawn Watering: Automatic vs. Manual Methods guide for examples.