Water restrictions in Franklin, TN — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
The City of Franklin Water Management Department operates under a Drought Management Plan approved by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). When drought conditions warrant, the Mayor may declare an Emergency Status 1 (or higher) Water Shortage. Under Emergency Status 1, prohibited non-essential uses include: washing sidewalks/driveways/paved areas (except City for public safety); noncommercial vehicle and boat washing; any non-firefighting hydrant use; watering golf courses; and construction dust control or compaction. Landscape watering — if needed — must occur between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. using handheld devices.
The City of Franklin Water Management Department serves roughly 18,500 customers and is the primary water utility for the City. Tennessee has no statewide outdoor-watering schedule, so local utilities set their own. Franklin's Drought Management Plan was approved by TDEC and authorizes graduated stages. In September 2024, Franklin Mayor Ken Moore declared an Emergency Status 1 Water Shortage in response to regional drought. Under that declaration: (1) washing sidewalks, driveways, and other exterior paved areas is prohibited — except by the City for public safety; (2) noncommercial washing of vehicles and boats is prohibited; (3) use from a fire hydrant for any purpose other than fighting fires is prohibited; (4) watering of golf courses is prohibited; and (5) dust control or compaction during construction is prohibited. If landscape watering is required, it must be done between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. using a handheld device to control flow and direction. Restrictions remain in effect until rescinded by the Mayor. Other Williamson County utilities (Milcrofton, Nolensville) use separate odd/even schedules and are distinct from Franklin Water.
Violations of an emergency water shortage declaration are enforced by the City of Franklin Water Management Department and Building & Neighborhood Services. The City utility may also issue customer warnings, service modifications, or escalating penalties under the Drought Management Plan tier in effect. Continued non-compliance during declared stages can trigger utility-account enforcement.
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