Erie, PA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Erie, PA, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- 4 Pa. Code Sec. 119.4 (state)
- Trigger
- Governor-declared drought / water shortage emergency
- Water Supplier
- Erie Water Works
Summary
Erie has no city lawn-watering ordinance in normal conditions; Pennsylvania state law (4 Pa. Code Chapter 119) prohibits watering grass and most outdoor plants once the Governor declares a drought emergency in the area.
Whenever the Governor declares by proclamation or executive order a state of drought or water shortage emergency in an area of this Commonwealth, the following water uses shall be deemed nonessential and are prohibited within areas that have been declared to be in a state of drought or water shortage emergency... (1) The use of any water for watering of grass, except: ... (ii) Water may be used to establish and maintain newly seeded and sodded grass areas when applied between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. by means of a bucket, can or hand held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle... (3) The use of fresh water for irrigation and watering of outdoor gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants except that fresh water may be: ...
Full Breakdown
No Erie-specific ordinance restricts routine lawn or garden watering. Water service is provided by the Erie Water Works, and outdoor watering is governed instead by Pennsylvania state law. Under 4 Pa. Code Section 119.4, whenever the Governor declares a drought or water shortage emergency, watering grass becomes a prohibited nonessential use within the affected service area, subject to narrow exceptions (e.g., newly seeded or sodded areas hand-watered between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m., professional landscaper establishment work, brief irrigation-equipment testing, and one-time grub control). Watering of outdoor gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and other outdoor plants with fresh water is likewise restricted during a declared emergency. In June 2023, the Pennsylvania DEP declared a statewide drought watch and recommended voluntary conservation, advising residents to water lawns only if necessary and to set mower blades 2-3 inches high to retain soil moisture.
Violations & Fines
During a declared Commonwealth drought emergency, prohibited nonessential water uses are enforceable under 4 Pa. Code Chapter 119 and the Governor's proclamation; no fixed local fine applies outside an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water my lawn in Erie?
Are there watering limits for gardens and shrubs during a drought?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Erie
How Erie compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Erie to another location·View the Pennsylvania landscaping rules overview
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