Water conservation is crucial in Flagstaff, Arizona, where dry conditions make responsible water usage a necessity. The city enforces outdoor water restrictions to ensure efficient use of water resources. Understanding these regulations will help you avoid penalties while keeping your landscape healthy.
How to Correspond the Days of the Week with the Watering Schedule
Flagstaff’s watering schedule is based on the last digit of your address. The city uses a simple numbering system:
- Monday = 2
- Tuesday = 3
- Wednesday = 4
- Thursday = 5
- Friday = 6
- Saturday = 7
- Sunday = 8
Determining Your Watering Days:
- If your address ends in an even number, you can water on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
- If your address ends in an odd number, you can water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
- No irrigation system watering is allowed on Mondays.
Incidental Hand Watering
While irrigation system watering is not permitted on Mondays, incidental hand watering is allowed with some restrictions:
- You must use a hose, bucket, or other water conveyance that you hold for the duration of watering.
- A hose running freely or attached to a sprinkler is not considered hand watering.
- You cannot water between 9 AM and 5 PM, even with hand watering.
Can You Water Your Lawn Using a Hose?
Yes, but only under specific conditions:
- You may hand water using a bucket or a hose with a cutoff nozzle.
- The nozzle must allow the water to be turned off when not in use to prevent waste.
- As with all watering, you must avoid watering between 9 AM and 5 PM.
- You cannot leave the hose running freely or attach it to a sprinkler.
Water Every Day with a Permit
If you need to water daily, the City of Flagstaff offers a Landscape Establishment Permit:
- Cost: $25
- Duration: 30 days
- Where to Purchase: City Hall Water Department
- Purpose: Allows for daily watering to help establish new landscaping, such as sod, trees, and bushes.
This permit is a great option if you have recently installed new plants and need extra watering to ensure proper growth.
Watering Restriction Violations & Penalties
The City of Flagstaff actively enforces watering restrictions, and violations can result in fines.
What Happens If You Violate the Watering Restrictions?
- First Violation: You will receive a warning from the city.
- Subsequent Violations: A $25 fine will be added to your water bill.
Common Causes of Unintentional Violations:
- Water Leaks: A stuck irrigation valve could cause unintended watering during restricted hours.
- Power Outages: If your irrigation controller has a dead backup battery, it may reset to factory settings, causing it to water at the wrong time.
The city understands that accidents happen, which is why they provide a one-time warning before issuing fines.
Stay Compliant & Conserve Water
By following Flagstaff’s watering schedule and regulations, you can help conserve water while keeping your landscape healthy. If you need assistance setting up your irrigation system or troubleshooting a watering issue, AZ Irrigation & Maintenance is here to help.
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