McHenry County, IL Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in McHenry County, IL, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- System
- Blue/Yellow/Orange/Red conditions
- Yellow rule
- Odd/even address schedule
- Allowed hours
- 5-8 a.m., 6-9 p.m.
- Red condition
- No outdoor city-water use
- Fine
- $50 to $500 per offense
Summary
Crystal Lake uses a color-coded water-conservation system. During a declared 'Yellow' condition, odd-numbered addresses water on odd dates and even addresses on even dates within limited morning and evening hours; 'Red' bans all outdoor use of city water. Rural well users are not covered.
No person shall use water from the City water system for the sprinkling of streets or sidewalks during condition "Yellow" or "Red."
Full Breakdown
Under the City's Lawns, Watering of provisions, Crystal Lake triggers Blue, Yellow, Orange, or Red conditions based on supply. In a Yellow condition, watering follows an odd/even address schedule and is limited to roughly 5:00-8:00 a.m. and 6:00-9:00 p.m. During a Red condition, outdoor use of city water is prohibited, and no one may use city water to sprinkle streets or sidewalks during Yellow or Red. These rules apply only to customers on the City's public water supply; households on private wells in unincorporated McHenry County are not subject to the city ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Any person violating the water-conservation ordinance is subject to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500 for each offense, plus the City's cost of prosecution including attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I water my lawn during a Yellow condition?
Do watering restrictions apply to private wells?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
How McHenry County compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois landscaping rules overview
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