Water restrictions in Chesapeake, VA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Chesapeake Public Utilities imposes water restrictions during DEQ drought stages. Outdoor watering is typically limited to odd/even days and morning/evening hours. Voluntary conservation is common in summer.
Chesapeake gets drinking water primarily from Northwest River and Lake Gaston, managed by Chesapeake Public Utilities. During drought conditions, Virginia DEQ and the state Drought Monitoring Task Force may declare drought watch, warning, or emergency stages affecting localities. Chesapeake can then impose mandatory restrictions: typically banning car washing (except commercial), filling swimming pools, street washing, and unrestricted irrigation. Lawn watering is often restricted to odd/even address days and limited hours (before 10 AM or after 6 PM) to reduce evaporation. New lawn installations may require permits to establish. Public Utilities sends notices and posts restrictions on the city website and social media. Violations carry civil penalties starting at $50. Year-round the city encourages xeriscaping, rain barrels, and efficient irrigation controllers.
First offense warning, second $50-$100, third up to $250. Willful waste during emergency can lead to service shutoff.
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See how Chesapeake's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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