Metro Water Services may declare drought stages that limit outdoor irrigation. Stage 1 advises voluntary conservation; Stage 2 imposes odd-even or day-of-week irrigation schedules; Stage 3 bans most outdoor watering except for hand-held hoses on new plantings.
MWS draws raw water from the Cumberland River, providing year-round capacity, but the utility maintains a drought-response plan to manage demand during heat events and supply emergencies. Stage triggers are based on river flow, treatment capacity, and forecasts. During Stage 2 the customary schedule is odd-numbered addresses water on odd dates, even on even dates, with morning and evening windows to reduce evaporation. Stage 3 prohibits sprinkler use, vehicle washing at home, and decorative fountain operation. Restrictions apply to MWS retail customers throughout Davidson County. Wholesale customers in surrounding counties may follow parallel rules issued by their utilities.
First-time violators typically receive a written warning. Repeat watering during a Stage 2 or 3 declaration can result in fines starting around 50 dollars and rising for continued non-compliance, plus potential service-flow restrictors.
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