Water restrictions in Pittsburgh, PA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Pittsburgh has no standing outdoor watering ban. PA Code Chapter 119 authorizes restrictions only during declared drought emergencies. Pgh2O may impose temporary limits during supply shortages.
Pittsburgh does not maintain permanent outdoor watering restrictions for residential landscaping. Water service is provided by Pittsburgh Water (formerly PWSA), which operates under Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission oversight. Tariffs governing rates, rules, and regulations are submitted annually to the PA PUC for review. Under 4 Pa. Code Chapter 119, the Commonwealth may prohibit nonessential water uses during a declared drought emergency, which can include lawn watering, car washing, and filling swimming pools. These restrictions are temporary and apply only during declared emergencies. Pittsburgh Water customers should monitor Pgh2O announcements for any seasonal conservation advisories. The city encourages green infrastructure and low-impact development practices including rain gardens and permeable surfaces as part of its stormwater management program under Title 13 of the City Code. There are no permanent odd-even watering schedules or time-of-day restrictions in Pittsburgh.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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