Raleigh has officially moved into Stage 1 water restrictions due to ongoing drought conditions across central North Carolina. These measures are designed to reduce water use while still allowing essential outdoor irrigation—if done correctly.
Important: These water restrictions only apply to City of Raleigh water customers. If your home is serviced by Aqua (a primary water provider in surrounding Wake County areas), your restrictions may be different and you should refer to their specific guidelines.
At Eco Irrigation, we know this can feel confusing for homeowners, so here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know if you live within the City of Raleigh.
💧 Can I still water my lawn?
Yes—but with limits.
For City of Raleigh Customers:
Under Stage 1 rules, in-ground irrigation systems (sprinklers) are only allowed on a set schedule:
Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday from midnight to 10 AM
Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday from midnight to 10 AM
For Aqua Customers:
Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday and Thursday from 10 PM to 1 AM
Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Friday from 10 PM to 1 AM
Outside of those times, automatic sprinkler use is not permitted.
🌿 What irrigation methods are still allowed anytime?
Good news—some watering methods are still flexible:
- Handheld hoses
- Drip irrigation
- Bucket watering
These can be used any day, at any time, as long as water is not wasted or running off into streets or driveways.
🚫 What should I avoid?
To stay compliant with Stage 1 restrictions:
- Do not run automatic sprinklers outside your assigned watering days/times
- Avoid overwatering—Raleigh recommends about ½ inch of water per week
🌱 Common irrigation questions we’re hearing
“Should I still run my system if it rains?”
No—skip watering when rainfall is sufficient. Your system should always be adjusted based on current weather conditions.
“How long should I water?”
Most lawns only need one deep watering per week—not daily watering. Longer, less frequent cycles encourage stronger root growth.
“Is my irrigation system wasting water?”
If you notice overspray, runoff, or soggy areas, your system likely needs adjustment or repair.
💡 How Eco Irrigation can help
Stage 1 restrictions are a great reminder to make sure your irrigation system is running efficiently. Small issues—like broken heads, poor zoning, or incorrect runtimes—can waste thousands of gallons of water.
Our team can help with:
- Irrigation system maintenance and inspections
- Efficiency tuning & scheduling
- Leak detection & repairs
- Smart controller upgrades
Final Thoughts
Water restrictions don’t mean your landscape has to suffer—they simply mean it’s time to water smarter.
If you’re unsure whether your system is compliant or running efficiently, Eco Irrigation is here to help you stay within guidelines while keeping your lawn healthy. Contact us today!
