Harrison County, MS Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Harrison County manages water through municipal utilities (Gulfport Public Works, Biloxi Public Services) and private providers like Harrison County Utility Authority (HCUA). The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) under MS Code Ann. §49-17 oversees water use permits and groundwater management. Harrison County draws from the Pascagoula and Miocene aquifers, which generally provide ample supply. The region's humid subtropical climate (60+ inches annual rainfall) makes severe drought restrictions rare compared to inland or western Mississippi. When drought conditions emerge, typical voluntary measures include odd-even address watering schedules, time-of-day limits (no irrigation 10 AM-4 PM), and requests to reduce car washing and pool filling. Mandatory restrictions under MDEQ drought emergency rules can limit lawn irrigation to 2-3 days per week. Post-Katrina infrastructure upgrades improved system resilience, though saltwater intrusion remains a concern for coastal wells. New commercial developments in water-stressed areas may require drought-tolerant landscaping (xeriscaping) with native plants like longleaf pine, live oak, and yaupon holly. HOAs often impose stricter landscape watering rules than the county. During hurricane events, boil-water notices and temporary restrictions are common under MS Code §41-26 drinking water regulations.