Waukesha, WI Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Waukesha, WI, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Restricted season
- May 1 through October 1
- Odd addresses
- Tuesdays and Saturdays only
- Even addresses
- Thursdays and Sundays only
- Allowed hours
- Before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
- Special Permit decision window
- 10 business days
- Service suspension trigger
- 5 or more citations
Summary
From May 1 through October 1, Waukesha ties lawn sprinkling to street address under Municipal Code §13.11: odd-numbered properties may water only Tuesdays and Saturdays, even-numbered properties only Thursdays and Sundays, and only before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Hand watering and new landscaping are exempt.
SPRINKLING RESTRICTED. At all times between the first day of May and the first day of October, the following sprinkling restrictions shall be in effect. Properties having odd-numbered street addresses are prohibited from sprinkling lawns and gardens except on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at which time sprinkling is permitted at any time before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Properties having even-numbered street addresses are prohibited from sprinkling lawns and gardens except on Thursdays and Sundays, at which time sprinkling is permitted at any time before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.
Full Breakdown
The Water Utility adopted the odd-even schedule to prevent overuse of the City's water table and protect supply during peak demand. , while even-address properties get Thursdays and Sundays on the same clock. Exceptions cover hand-held watering cans or hoses that are manually operated and never left unattended, new landscaping installed within the last month, sports complexes, cemeteries, and anyone holding a Special Permit. A property owner can apply to the Water Utility for a Special Permit to water outside those hours, and the General Manager must grant or deny it within 10 business days; a denial can be appealed to the Water Utility Commission within 20 days of notice.
Separately, if the Water Utility declares an Emergency Water Condition, all outdoor sprinkling, car washing outside recirculating facilities, and filling of pools or spas is banned outright until the emergency is lifted.
Violations & Fines
The Water Utility serves written notice for a first violation, either posted at the property or mailed to the water-bill payer. After three or more notices, the matter can be referred to the Police Department for a citation, with each day of continued violation a separate offense under the §25.05 general penalty schedule. After five citations, the Water Utility may suspend water service to the property if the violation interferes with others' service and no heat emergency is in effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What days can I water my lawn in Waukesha?
Can I hand-water my garden anytime in Waukesha?
Can I get a permit to water outside the scheduled days?
Can Waukesha shut off my water for violating the sprinkling schedule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukesha
How Waukesha compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Waukesha to another location·View the Wisconsin landscaping rules overview
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