Durham, NC Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Durham maintains a permanent year-round outdoor water efficiency ordinance that restricts spray irrigation based on property address. Odd-numbered addresses may irrigate once on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while even-numbered addresses may irrigate once on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. No customers may water on Mondays. All permitted watering must occur before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation losses. The restrictions apply specifically to automated spray irrigation systems. Hand-watering with a hose, drip irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems, and reclaimed water use are exempt from the schedule. New irrigation systems installed in Durham must include working rain sensors or soil moisture sensors positioned to prevent watering during or after rain events. Existing automated systems were required to retrofit rain or moisture sensors by November 30, 2009. The City offers a Temporary Outdoor Watering License for property owners who need to establish new landscaping, re-sod, or reseed. The license permits watering outside the normal schedule for up to 45 days and requires an advance application to the Water Management Division. Violation penalties escalate progressively: the first offense receives an oral or written warning, the second offense incurs a $100 civil penalty, the third offense incurs a $250 penalty, and the fourth offense may result in water service termination. Residents can report violations anonymously through the Durham Water Management website. Durham draws water from Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir, and the City may impose additional Stage 1 through Stage 4 drought restrictions during periods of low reservoir levels, further limiting outdoor water use.