lawn watering Rules and Runoff Prevention

To help protect our neighborhood streets, conserve water, and remain compliant with city regulations, all homeowners are asked to follow the City of Oklahoma City’s watering rules and best practices outlined below. Excessive watering and runoff are major contributors to street deterioration, and street repairs are very expensive.

Lawn irrigation using sprinkler or irrigation systems must follow the city’s permanent odd/even watering schedule:

• Odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered calendar days.
• Even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered calendar days. 
• Hand watering using a hose, soaker hose, or drip irrigation for gardens and flower beds is generally allowed on any day, except during more restrictive city-wide outdoor watering bans.

Watering should not result in runoff onto streets, sidewalks, or neighboring properties, or extend more than approximately 200 feet from your home. Water running into streets is considered wasteful, can damage public infrastructure, and may result in warnings or fines under city enforcement.

Even beyond the mandatory schedule, the city strongly encourages the following practices to reduce water waste and prevent runoff that damages streets and sidewalks.

Water Efficiently

• Program irrigation controllers to follow the odd/even schedule and avoid long run times
• Water early in the morning when evaporation is lowest.
• Use smart controllers, rain sensors, and soil-moisture sensors to prevent overwatering.

Prevent Runoff

• Adjust sprinkler heads so water is directed only onto your lawn and landscaped areas, not onto streets or sidewalks.
• If water consistently runs off your property or travels more than ~200 feet, it may be considered waste due to misaligned or over-running sprinkler systems.
• Promptly repair broken, leaking, or misting sprinkler heads.

Street runoff accelerates pavement deterioration, increases maintenance costs, and impacts the long-term condition of our neighborhood. By following city rules and watering responsibly, we help protect our infrastructure, conserve water, and avoid unnecessary fines or enforcement actions.

Thank you for doing your part to care for our community and our streets.