Columbus does not have permanent lawn-watering bans, but the Department of Public Utilities can declare voluntary or mandatory watering restrictions during drought events affecting the Scioto and Big Walnut reservoir systems.
Columbus draws drinking water from the Scioto River, Big Walnut Creek, and several reservoirs including Hoover, O'Shaughnessy, and Griggs. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) maintains a drought management plan with four stages from advisory to emergency. During Stage 1 advisory, residents are asked to voluntarily limit lawn watering to alternate days and avoid midday spraying. Stages 2 through 4 introduce mandatory restrictions banning daytime watering, car washing, and pressure washing, with progressive surcharges or service shutoff for repeat offenders. Day-to-day lawn watering is otherwise unrestricted, though customers are encouraged to follow Smart Watering best practices, install rain sensors, and switch to drought-tolerant landscaping.
During declared mandatory restrictions, watering violations carry warnings on first offense, then escalating fines from one hundred to five hundred dollars per occurrence, plus possible water-service surcharge or shutoff in emergency stages.
Columbus, OH
Columbus adopted its Climate Action Plan in December 2021, committing to carbon neutrality by 2050 with a 45 percent emissions cut by 2030. Strategies cover ...
Columbus, OH
Columbus requires property owners to maintain grass and vegetation below maximum height limits per ORC §715.261 authority. Overgrown yards subject to abatement.
See how Columbus's lawn watering restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.