Vienna, VA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

The Town of Vienna receives its potable water through a connection with Fairfax Water, one of the largest water utilities in Virginia, which draws from the Potomac River and Occoquan Reservoir. Water conservation during drought is governed by the Northern Virginia Regional Water Supply Plan and Fairfax Water Drought Response Plan, coordinated with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. In normal conditions, there are no outdoor watering restrictions beyond common-sense waste provisions that prohibit allowing water to run off the property or spray onto pavement. Vienna Town Code and Fairfax Water rules both prohibit wasteful water use even when not in drought. During declared Stage 1 Drought Watch, customers are asked to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use, fix leaks, and avoid daytime watering. In Stage 2 Drought Warning, mandatory restrictions activate, typically including odd-address and even-address watering days, no watering between 10 AM and 6 PM, no washing of impervious surfaces, and prohibition of filling new pools. In Stage 3 Drought Emergency, all non-essential outdoor water use is banned, including lawn watering, car washing at home, and ornamental fountains, with limited exceptions for drip irrigation of trees and food gardens. Virginia DEQ issues regional drought declarations based on groundwater, streamflow, and precipitation indicators, and the Governor may declare a statewide drought emergency under VA Code 44-146.17. Violations of mandatory drought restrictions can carry civil penalties up to one thousand dollars per day and, for repeat commercial violators, water service disconnection. Recycled water, rainwater harvesting from rain barrels, and private well use (rare in Vienna) are exempt from most municipal restrictions. HOAs with irrigated common areas typically follow the same schedule.