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Durham watering restrictions
Durham is in Stage 2 Water Shortage Response (since June 15, 2026): no spray irrigation. Hand watering and drip only with automatic shut-off.
Durham
Stage 2 — no spray irrigation — effective . Official status ↗
Year-round odd/even schedule (when Stage 2 is not more restrictive)
| Method | Days (up to 3× / week) | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Spray irrigation (odd address) | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | Not 10 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Spray irrigation (even address) | Wednesday, Friday, Sunday | Not 10 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Drip, hand watering, tree/shrub bags | Any day | Any time (hand: shut-off nozzle) |
Medians and shared entrances: follow even schedule if unclear — Durham Water FAQ.
If Durham declares a water shortage
Year-round efficiency ordinance
When:Always enforced when no shortage stage is more restrictive.
- Up to 3 irrigation days per week on assigned odd/even days.
- Drip, hand watering, and other exemptions per ordinance.
Limits
- Spray irrigation between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
You are not required to water all 3 assigned days — once weekly may be enough for established turf.
New landscape: apply for Temporary Outdoor Watering License before install (paused while Stage 2 is active).
Declared Stage 1 water shortage
When:When declared by Water Management (~30% probability reservoirs fall to 45% capacity within 12 weeks).
- Spray irrigation limited to one day per week per director’s odd/even assignment.
- Drip, hand watering, and pre-approved new landscape exemptions (honored until expiry).
Limits
- Spray irrigation 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Declared Stage 2 water shortage (ACTIVE June 15, 2026)
When:Activated June 15, 2026 when Stage 1 and Stage 2 triggers were met together. Remains until Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir return near full (~95% chance of 95% full).
- Drip irrigation and hand watering only with an automatic shut-off hose attachment.
- Car washing only at compliant commercial facilities.
Limits
- All spray irrigation (in-ground and hose-end sprinklers).
- New landscape-exemption / temporary outdoor watering licenses.
- Home vehicle washing with city water; most surface washing except prep-for-paint / health-safety.
Large users (>100,000 gal/day) asked to cut use ~30%.
Confirm at durhamnc.gov/1061 — the official page reports Stage 2 remains in effect as of October 2, 2026.
Calendario de todo el año par/impar (cuando la Etapa 2 no sea más restrictiva)
| Método | Días (hasta 3 veces por semana) | Horarios |
|---|---|---|
| Riego por aspersión (direcciones impares) | Martes, jueves y sábado | Prohibido de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m. |
| Riego por aspersión (direcciones pares) | Miércoles, viernes y domingo | Prohibido de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m. |
| Riego por goteo, manual, bolsas para árboles/arbustos | Cualquier día | Cualquier hora (manual: boquilla de cierre automático) |
Camellones y entradas compartidas: siga el calendario par si no está claro — Preguntas frecuentes de Durham Water.
Si Durham declara escasez de agua
Ordenanza de eficiencia para todo el año
Cuándo:Siempre en vigor (independiente de las declaraciones de escasez por sequía).
- Hasta 3 días de riego por semana en los días asignados par/impar.
- Riego por goteo, manual y otras excepciones según la ordenanza.
Restricciones
- Riego por aspersión entre las 10 a.m. y las 6 p.m.
No está obligado a regar los 3 días asignados; una vez a la semana puede ser suficiente para el césped establecido.
Paisajismo nuevo: solicite la Licencia Temporal de Riego Exterior antes de la instalación.
Etapa 1 declarada por escasez de agua
Cuándo:Cuando lo declare el Departamento de Gestión de Agua (el personal de la ciudad revisa los pronósticos semanalmente; los informes públicos en la primavera de 2026 citaron la activación cuando hay una probabilidad de aproximadamente 30% de que los embalses caigan al 45% de su capacidad en un plazo de 12 semanas).
- Riego por aspersión limitado a un solo día por semana según la asignación de par/impar del director.
- Riego por goteo, manual y excepciones de paisajes nuevos aprobadas previamente (se respetarán hasta su vencimiento).
Restricciones
- Riego por aspersión de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m.
Etapa 2 declarada por escasez de agua (ACTIVA desde el 15 de junio de 2026)
Cuándo:Activada el 15 de junio de 2026 cuando se cumplieron a la vez los criterios de Etapa 1 y 2. Permanece hasta que Lake Michie y Little River se recuperen cerca de su nivel máximo.
- Riego por goteo y manual solo con manguera de cierre automático.
- Lavado de autos solo en instalaciones comerciales que cumplan la normativa.
Restricciones
- Todo riego por aspersión (subterráneo y de manguera).
- Nuevas licencias temporales de riego exterior / excepciones de paisajismo.
Durham watering FAQ
Does Durham have drought restrictions?
Yes — Stage 2 since June 15, 2026. Spray irrigation is prohibited. Hand watering and drip are allowed only with an automatic shut-off. Stage 2 remains until reservoirs recover near full; confirm durhamnc.gov/1061.
What days can I water my lawn in Durham?
Under Stage 2: no spray irrigation on any day. Hand watering and drip only, with automatic shut-off. The year-round odd/even spray schedule returns only when Stage 2 ends.
Can I water new sod in Durham?
No new Temporary Outdoor Watering Licenses are issued during Stage 2. Hand watering with shut-off may still be used where allowed — verify with Durham Water Management.
What happens if Durham declares a water shortage?
Stage 1 limits spray to one day per week. Stage 2 (active now) bans spray irrigation entirely and pauses new landscape licenses. Stages end only when Lake Michie and Little River recover near full.
Installing a lawn in Durham? See sod installation in Durham for grass choice and a quote after we see the yard.
This guide summarizes public utility rules for homeowner education. Restrictions change with rainfall and reservoir levels — verify with your water provider before irrigating. Oh My Sod is not affiliated with any municipality. See also watering basics and new sod care.
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