York County, VA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Sec. 22-2 defines a "Water conservation program" as one that may include a prohibition on watering lawns, gardens, shrubs, trees, or other plants, a prohibition on washing cars, boats, or houses outside, and any other measures the county administrator describes. Sec. 22-70 explains the purpose: during prolonged high temperatures and below-average rainfall or streamflow, the county needs authority to reduce, restrict, or curtail potable water use to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Under Sec. 22-72, the Board of Supervisors can declare a water emergency, designate the affected area of the county, and specify the water conservation program's provisions; the county administrator can declare the same emergency between board meetings if waiting would endanger public health or safety, though that action only holds until the next regular or special board meeting.

Sec. 22-73 requires public notice of any declared emergency within two weekdays, published in a newspaper of general circulation and posted at the Circuit Courthouse. Sec. 22-74 backs the program with escalating remedies: a written warning first, then removal of the water meter for up to 24 hours for a first further violation, and removal until the emergency ends for any repeat violation, with all removal and reinstallation costs charged to the owner. The county administrator's conservation program must generally follow the framework Newport News adopted by its own Ordinance No. 4708-95 on April 25, 1995.