Memphis sits atop the Memphis Sand aquifer, one of the nation's best groundwater sources, so MLGW imposes no routine drought-based lawn-watering schedule like arid Western cities, only voluntary conservation guidance.
Because Memphis draws drinking water from the Memphis Sand aquifer through MLGW, the utility has historically not needed mandatory outdoor watering schedules. Customers are billed by metered use, and excessive irrigation simply costs more on the bill. MLGW publishes voluntary guidance on early-morning watering, leak checks, and efficient sprinkler heads. In drought emergencies the city retains authority to impose temporary restrictions, but routine summer lawn watering is unrestricted.
No routine fines. Excessive use shows up only on the MLGW water bill. Drought emergency restrictions could trigger penalties if declared, but rare.
See how Memphis's lawn watering restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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