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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 — Aug 2026 updates still show Stage 2 in effect despite regional rain.
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.
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.