Newport News, VA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Newport News, VA, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Stage 2 drought warning declared
- Restricted hours
- 8:00 p.m.–10:00 a.m.
- Exempt
- Recycled water, hand-held ≤3 gal
- Escalates to mandatory
- Stage 3 drought emergency
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $250 plus suspension
Summary
Once Newport News declares a Stage 2 drought warning, watering lawns, shrubbery, trees, or other vegetation with city water is restricted to the hours between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., unless you use recycled water, an alternate source, or a hand-held container of three gallons or less.
The use of city water for watering of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, and other vegetation, except when using an alternate water source, recycled water, or a hand-held container not exceeding three (3) gallons in capacity. Any such watering shall be limited to the hours between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.(4)The use of city water in the operation of any ornamental fountains, artificial waterfalls, misting machines, reflecting pools, or for scenic or recreational ponds or lakes, except for fountains and other means of aeration used to support aquatic life.(5)The use of city water from fire hydrants for construction purposes or any purpose other than fire suppression or other public emergency.(6)The use of city water to fill or refill residential swimming pools except to protect structural integrity and public health, safety and welfare.(7)The use of city water for the serving of drinking water in restaurants, clubs, and other eating establishments, unless requested by a customer. (Ord. No. 7614-20, § 1)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 7614-20, § 1, adopted April 14, 2020, in effect repealed § 42-94 and enacted a new § 42-94, as set out herein. The former section pertained to Tier 2, mandatory and derived from Ord. No. 6155-05, § 1.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
Section 42-94(3) asks customers to voluntarily hold outdoor watering to nighttime hours once the director and city manager declare a Stage 2 drought warning, limiting the use of city water on shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, and other vegetation to between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Watering with an alternate water source, recycled water, or a hand-held container of three gallons or less is exempt from the curfew. If the city council escalates to a Stage 3 drought emergency by ordinance, the same hours become mandatory under section 42-95(a), with penalties running from a written warning up to a $250 fine plus service suspension for repeat violations under section 42-96(d).
Violations & Fines
Stage 2 restrictions are voluntary with no fine; once elevated to a Stage 3 drought emergency, violations draw a written warning, then $50, $100, and $250 fines plus water service suspension for repeat offenses under section 42-96(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water my lawn any time in Newport News?
What happens if I water outside those hours during a drought emergency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
How Newport News compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Newport News to another location·View the Virginia landscaping rules overview
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