Erie, PA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Erie's water supply runs through Erie Water Works (https://www.eriewater.org/), the regulated water utility drawing primary supply from Lake Erie via the Chestnut Street and Richard S. Wasielewski water treatment plants. Because the Lake Erie source is effectively unlimited at the Erie withdrawal scale, Erie Water Works has historically advised that customers within its direct service area are not affected by PA DEP drought-watch declarations covering Erie County, since well-system and groundwater users are the primary concern in regional drought. Outdoor-watering restrictions, when applicable, originate at the state level through the Pennsylvania Drought Emergency Act (3 P.S. §1701 et seq.), administered by PA DEP in coordination with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Commonwealth Drought Task Force. PA DEP declares Drought Watch (voluntary 5% conservation), Drought Warning (voluntary 10-15% conservation and recommended restrictions), or Drought Emergency (mandatory restrictions by gubernatorial proclamation). During a Drought Emergency, statewide mandatory measures typically prohibit lawn watering, washing of paved surfaces, non-recirculating fountains, and pool filling. Erie Water Works is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) under 66 Pa.C.S. for rates and service quality. The City's Article 949 water regulations (eCode360 https://ecode360.com/33837702) address service connection and cross-connection rules but do not impose day-to-day watering schedules.