Lexington, KY Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Lexington's drinking water is primarily supplied by Kentucky American Water, a private investor-owned utility regulated by the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Under normal conditions there are no mandatory lawn-watering schedules, and residents may irrigate as needed. During declared droughts, the Kentucky Division of Water under KRS 151.200 may issue drought advisories and recommend conservation measures including alternate-day watering, restricted car washing, and voluntary fountain shutoffs. Kentucky American Water can request voluntary cutbacks, and LFUCG can declare a local water emergency that imposes mandatory restrictions. Rainfall in central Kentucky averages 46 inches per year, making Lexington relatively water-rich compared to western US cities. Customers with private wells in the Rural Service Area must register large-capacity withdrawals (over 10,000 gallons per day) with the Kentucky Division of Water under KRS 151. Horse farms with significant irrigation or fill lakes may be required to obtain water withdrawal permits. Backflow prevention devices are required for all irrigation systems connected to the public water supply under Kentucky plumbing code.