Water restrictions in Scottsdale, AZ — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Scottsdale enforces water conservation measures including irrigation restrictions and water waste prohibitions. The city is within the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA) under Arizona's Groundwater Management Act. Water waste, including runoff from irrigation onto streets and sidewalks, is prohibited.
Scottsdale is within the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA), subject to Arizona Department of Water Resources groundwater management. The city enforces water waste prohibitions: no excessive watering causing runoff onto streets, sidewalks, or neighboring properties; no irrigating during rain; no running broken sprinkler systems. Scottsdale Water provides approximately 65% of the city's water from surface water (SRP, CAP) and 35% from groundwater. The city participates in regional drought planning through the Arizona Drought Contingency Plan. Residential customers are encouraged to follow seasonal watering schedules: summer irrigation typically 1-3 times per week (deep watering) for desert-adapted plants, and winter irrigation reduced. Smart irrigation controllers and drip systems are encouraged. Scottsdale's landscape ordinance promotes drought-tolerant xeriscape plantings to minimize water use.
Water waste violations may result in warnings and fines. Persistent water waste may lead to water service surcharges or restrictions.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle water restrictions.
See how Scottsdale's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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