Water restrictions in Des Moines, IA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Des Moines Water Works may impose seasonal watering restrictions during drought conditions. Odd/even watering schedules may be activated. Iowa generally has adequate water supply, so permanent restrictions are uncommon.
Des Moines Water Works, the municipal water utility, may implement seasonal water use restrictions during periods of high demand or drought. When activated, odd/even watering schedules require properties with odd-numbered addresses to water on odd calendar dates and even-numbered addresses on even dates. Watering is typically restricted to early morning or evening hours to reduce evaporation. Iowa generally receives sufficient rainfall, so permanent mandatory restrictions are uncommon compared to western states. Des Moines Water Works draws from the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. The utility publishes conservation tips and monitors water levels, issuing voluntary or mandatory restrictions as conditions warrant.
During mandatory restrictions, violations may result in warnings and fines. Water service restrictions possible for repeat violators.
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See how Des Moines's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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