Peoria, AZ Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Sec. 25-54 establishes the City's Drought Contingency Plan Management Procedure, which sets the policies, rules, duties and penalties applied during a declared water deficiency. The City Manager may declare a deficiency when the water supply and delivery system approaches a level exceeding the City's ability to provide water within a pressure zone or citywide, or when available groundwater or surface water supplies are reduced (Sec. 25-54(b)). A deficiency is designated Stage 1 (Water Watch), Stage 2 (Water Alert), Stage 3 (Water Warning), or Stage 4 (Water Emergency), and takes immediate effect on the City Manager's designation, subject to a ratifying resolution at the next regular City Council meeting; if Council rejects the resolution the deficiency ends.

Stage 1 triggers a voluntary five percent (5%) reduction goal for customers, but a mandatory five percent (5%) reduction goal for the City itself, plus a public education campaign (Sec. 25-54(d)). At Stage 2 (Water Alert) and Stage 3 (Water Warning), all elements of the applicable stage in the Drought Contingency Plan become mandatory and enforced, which can include a water deficiency rate surcharge, aggressive code enforcement, and measures to fund the water utility during the shortage (Sec. 25-54(e), (f)). Stage 4 (Water Emergency) escalates further with mandatory Plan elements enforced citywide.

The Drought Contingency Plan itself, containing the specific watering-day and use restrictions for each stage, is on file and available for public inspection at the City Clerk's office and the Water Services Department during normal business hours (Sec. 25-54(a)).