Water restrictions in Hawaii County, HI — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
The County of Hawai'i Department of Water Supply can restrict water use during shortages, drought, or equipment problems, often ordering 25% cuts (50% for irrigation). Its Rules let it 'restrict the use of water by any reasonable method of control.'
For DWS-served customers, water restrictions come from the Department of Water Supply, not a landscaping ordinance. DWS Rules and Regulations Section 3-2(2) states that when 'special conservation measures are advisable in order to forestall water shortage,' the Department 'may restrict the use of water by any reasonable method of control' and may limit quantities taken from any facility. In practice, DWS issues district notices (e.g., South Kohala, Hāmākua) requiring at least a 25% cut in overall use and up to 50% for irrigation. Health and safety uses get priority over other uses. Off-grid catchment homes are not covered by these county restrictions.
Negligent or wasteful use of water may lead the Department to discontinue service if not corrected within a reasonable time after written notice (DWS Rule 3-13(2)(d)).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Hawaii County's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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