Frequently Asked Questions

The odd-even lawn watering is always in place, even in winter. You can get a citation at any time of the year.

You can also get a citation for watering when the temperature is 32 degrees or below. Watering during freezing weather wastes water and can create icy streets and sidewalks.

Most lawns do not need much water during the winter. Bermudagrass goes dormant and only needs water during long, dry periods. Cool-season grasses, like tall fescue, need about 1 inch of water every two weeks.

The municipal court keeps watering violation records for five years. If you get another violation during that time, it may count as a second offense.

The municipal prosecutor reviews each case and decides what charge will be filed.

Yes. You are allowed to fill or refill your pool. Filling a pool is usually a one-time need. 

We strongly recommend keeping your pool covered when not using it. A cover helps stop water from evaporating, which means you will not need to refill it as often.

Yes. You may wash your car at home until Stage 4 of the water conservation program begins. In Stage 4, everyone must use a commercial car wash that recycles water when washing their car.

If you wash your car at home, always use a hose nozzle with a turn-off valve. This helps stop water from running down your driveway and into the street.

No. Residents who use well water are not included in the City's water conservation program.

However, we strongly encourage people on well water to follow the outdoor watering guidelines. Wells draw water from underground aquifers, which can run low or even dry during long periods of overuse or little rainfall.

If you water your lawn with a well, you must place a sign in your yard that says "Water Well in Use Only."

Golf courses that use Oklahoma City water for irrigation must follow the water conservation program.

Some golf courses use well water instead. These courses are not included in the City's program.

Public pools will stay open, even if stricter water schedules are put in place. However, splash grounds may close if there is a ban on outdoor water use. Pools and splash grounds give families a safe place to cool off during very hot days.

No. Splash grounds do not re-circulate water. However, they only run when someone turns them on. This helps reduce water use.

Most irrigation controllers made in the last 10 years can be programmed for odd-even watering. Check your controller's instruction manual or visit our irrigation scheduling page for help.

If your controller cannot be set to odd-even water days, you may apply for a watering variance. Oklahoma City offers two options:

• 2 day per week watering variance
• 1 day per week watering variance

These variances let you water on specific days of the week based on your street address.

No. The odd-even watering schedule only applies to watering your yard with an irrigation system or hose sprinkler.

You may hand-water your plants with a hose, and use soaker hoses or drip irrigation at any time. The only exception is Stage 5, when all outdoor watering is banned.

Yes. Most yards do not need to be watered every day. It is better to water deeply and less often. This helps your grass grow stronger roots.

Drought-tolerant lawns, like bermudagrass, need about 1 inch of water per week during the summer. Watering deeply once or twice a week is usually enough.

Using Oklahoma native or well-adapted plants in your yard can also lower your watering needs, which helps you save water.

Odd-even watering is always in place. It is now the standard way to water outdoors with Oklahoma City treated water.

Whenever you choose to water your yard, follow the rule based on the last number of your address, unless another watering stage is announced.

Weather in Oklahoma is hard to predict. We have a long history of drought and heavy rainfall events. Using water wisely at all times helps protect our water supply.

The water conservation schedules help us manage how much water we use. It also prepares our community for dry weather and supports a steady water supply for everyone.

In April 2013, the Oklahoma City Council approved a five-stage progressive watering program. The stages are based on the combined amount of water available in all City reservoirs.

Water conservation and efficiency is an ongoing effort. It reminds us to use water wisely, plan for drought, and protect our water supply for the future.