Water Management

Odd-Even Watering Schedule

The City of Durham has adopted requirements to help make our community a more sustainable place to live. These watering requirements are consistent with irrigation schedules in most of our neighboring communities.

Landscape irrigation makes up a large portion of our consumption, particularly during the warmer months of the year. In fact, irrigation during summer months can increase demand on the treatment plants between 20 and 40 percent. By improving the efficiency of our irrigation practices, we can reduce consumption, save money, and preserve this precious resource.

The most significant aspect of the new requirements is a specific irrigation schedule. The outdoor irrigation schedule applies to all spray irrigation systems and allows customers to irrigate according to the following schedule:

  • Odd-numbered addresses may water once on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays either before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
  • Even-numbered addresses may water once on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays either before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
  • No watering may occur between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on allowed watering days.
  • No customers are permitted to water on Mondays.
  • Temporary licenses will be allowed to establish new landscapes.
  • Hand-watering and drip irrigation systems are not restricted.

The ordinance also requires that new irrigation systems be equipped with properly operating rain or soil moisture sensors in appropriate locations to prevent irrigation during rain events or when there is sufficient moisture in the ground for plant health and survival. Existing automated irrigation systems must be retrofitted with moisture or rain sensors by November 30, 2009.

The City has also adopted requirements to eliminate water waste. These rules prohibit excessive run-off as a result of irrigation, incorrectly positioned spray-heads, and allowing leaks to go unrepaired. Durham customers can help to conserve the existing supply and help ensure that wise water use becomes a part of everyday life by following the provisions of the ordinance.

Review the full content of the Water Efficiency Ordinance.

Frequently Asked Questions



Do these restrictions apply to car washing or pressure washing?

Does this apply to rain water or reclaimed water?

How do you define "hand-watering?"

I would like to install new sod, but will need to water more frequently than this schedule will allow. Can I apply for permission to irrigate outside of this schedule?

What watering schedule should be followed for medians and common areas that do not have a traditional address?

I manage a complex with multiple addresses, but just one irrigation system. How should we operate our system?

Why do we have to follow this schedule?

Do other municipalities have the same schedule?

Am I required to water on all three days of the schedule?

Do these restrictions replace the water shortage response restrictions?

If it rains on one of my scheduled watering days, can I water on another non-scheduled day?

What type of enforcement of the ordinance will be occurring?

How can I report a violation if I see one?

Where can I get more information on making my landscape more water efficient?

 

Do these restrictions apply to car washing or pressure washing?

The irrigation schedule does NOT apply to the washing of cars, houses, buildings, decks, etc.

Does this apply to rain water or reclaimed water?

No, the use of rain water, reclaimed water, and other non-potable sources for irrigation purposes is not restricted by this schedule.

How do you define "hand-watering?"

"Hand-Watering" refers to the application of water for irrigation purposes through a hand-held hose or watering container. A person must be physically holding the hose or container. Watering by hand cannot occur unattended.

I would like to install new sod, but will need to water more frequently than this schedule will allow. Can I apply for permission to irrigate outside of this schedule?

Yes, a special exemption license can be issued for the purpose of establishing a new landscape. To apply for the license, complete and submit our Temporary Outdoor Watering License application. Please apply for the license before you install any new landscaping and allow at least five business days for processing; submitting an application does not guarantee that a license will be granted.

What watering schedule should be followed for medians and common areas that do not have a traditional address?

Medians that do not have a traditional address should be watered according the EVEN-address schedule. If a common area (non-median) falls along a side of the street that is associated with odd or even addresses, it should be watered according the relative schedule. If such a determination cannot be made, an even-address schedule should be followed. (For example, a common area at the main entrance of a subdivision lies on the right side of the street. The homes on this side of the street all have even addresses. This common area should be watered on an even-address schedule.)

I manage a complex with multiple addresses, but just one irrigation system. How should we operate our system?

If an irrigation system that serves both odd and even addresses cannot be set to differentiate zones by address, your entire complex may be assigned a schedule to follow by the City of Durham. Please complete and submit our Irrigation Schedule Assignment Application to request to have your complex assigned to a schedule.

Why do we have to follow this schedule?

Landscape irrigation makes up a large portion of usage, particularly during the warmer months of the year. In fact, irrigation during summer months can increase demand on the treatment plants between 20 and 40 percent. By improving the efficiency of our irrigation practices, we can reduce consumption, save money, and preserve the City’s water supply.

By establishing a set schedule for our customers, the City can better manage the demand for irrigation, control peak demands, and ease the burden on our water supplies, treatment plants, and distribution system.

Do other municipalities have the same schedule?

Yes, this schedule is followed by our neighboring communities and water providers, including Apex, Cary, Raleigh, and the Orange Water and Sewer Authority. In fact, Durham worked with these utilities to develop common schedules to ensure uniformity and clarity for the Triangle region in regard to water irrigation efficiency requirements.

Am I required to water on all three days of the schedule?

NO! Customers are allowed to water up to three days per week, but are encouraged to water less frequently, based on the needs of their landscape. Customers should adjust the frequency of watering (within the alternate-day schedule) based on what will keep their landscape thriving. In many cases, just once per week may be sufficient for established landscapes.

Do these restrictions replace the water shortage response restrictions?

No, these restrictions do not replace the water shortage response restrictions. When a water shortage is declared, the restrictions imposed by the Water Shortage Response Ordinance shall supersede this schedule.

If it rains on one of my scheduled watering days, can I water on another non-scheduled day?

NO. Watering may occur at your address only according the assigned schedule, regardless of weather conditions.

What type of enforcement of the ordinance will be occurring?

City staff will be patrolling for violations. Customers who violate the year-round water efficiency ordinance will receive an oral or written notice for the first violation. Repeat violations may lead to civil penalties of $100 for the second violation, $250 for the third and service termination for the fourth.

How can I report a violation if I see one?

Citizens who witness a violation can report it by using our online reporting form. Citizens can also call Durham One Call at 560-1200 to report a violation. The City takes all reports seriously and deploys staff to follow up on all reports of violations; however, formal notices of violations are not issued unless City staff witness the violation.

Where can I get more information on making my landscape more water efficient?

Download a copy of our WaterWise Landscaping and Watering Guide, or request a paper copy by e-mailing your mailing address to us at savewater@durhamnc.gov.