Water restrictions in Philadelphia, PA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Philadelphia County does not impose routine outdoor water use restrictions. Philadelphia Water Department may issue voluntary conservation requests during drought. PA DEP drought declarations may trigger mandatory restrictions during severe events.
Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) draws from the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, with generally ample supply. Unlike western states, PA has no routine lawn-watering schedules. During declared drought emergencies under PA Act 199 of 2002, mandatory restrictions can be imposed including limits on lawn watering, car washing, and non-essential outdoor use. PWD encourages year-round conservation through voluntary measures and rebates for efficient fixtures.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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