Honolulu's Water Use Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles water use rules a little differently. In Honolulu, Hawaii, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Lawn Watering Restrictions

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) sets island-wide conservation targets and can declare mandatory restrictions on lawn irrigation under ROH chapter 17 during droughts.

Key details: Utility: Board of Water Supply. Voluntary window: 7 p.m. to 9 a.m.. Local code: ROH Chapter 17 Article 1. Stages: Three drought stages. Last drought stage: Activated 2023.

Violating mandatory drought-stage rules can trigger written warnings, surcharges on the water bill, and at higher stages, temporary service shutoff.

Turf Replacement Rebates

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply offers rebates for replacing thirsty lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping and for installing high-efficiency irrigation controllers.

Key details: Program: BWS Halawai rebates. Rebate type: Per square foot of turf. Eligible plants: Drought-tolerant approved list. Pre-approval: Required before removal. Funding source: Water rates.

Removing the rebated landscape early or replacing it with non-conforming turf can trigger a clawback of the rebate plus interest under the customer agreement.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Honolulu gives residents more flexibility on turf replacement rebates.

Recycled Water Rules

The Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility produces R-1 recycled water for irrigation in Ewa, and customers connecting to the recycled water system pay reduced rates under BWS rules.

Key details: Facility: Honouliuli Water Recycling. Quality grade: R-1. State permit: Hawaii DOH. Service area: Ewa and Kapolei. Rate: Below potable rate.

Cross-connecting recycled lines to drinking water plumbing or removing purple-pipe signage can lead to immediate disconnection, fines, and required system testing.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Honolulu gives residents more flexibility on recycled water rules.

Leak Reporting Duty

BWS rules require customers to repair private-side leaks promptly and to report suspected water main breaks, with bill adjustments available for documented hidden leaks.

Key details: Customer responsibility: Service line to meter. Adjustment window: 60 days after repair. Trouble line: BWS 24-hour dispatch. Local code: ROH Chapter 17. Required document: Plumber invoice.

Ignoring a leak after notice from BWS can result in a higher water bill, a flow-restriction device, or, in extreme cases, service termination until the repair is verified.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Honolulu gives residents more room on water use rules. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Honolulu's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.