Odd-Even Outdoor Watering Schedules

During the hot summer months, Lacey Water Utility customers often use up to 15 million gallons of water per day. That is more than double what is used during the rest of the year because of outdoor watering and irrigation.

While most of us enjoy having a lush, green landscape during the height of our outdoor activities, large numbers of people watering at the same time can cause stress to the water distribution system. Alternating our outdoor watering days helps conserve valuable water resources, helping your water utility meet peak summer demands.

In 2006, the Lacey Water Utility adopted the following annual outdoor watering schedule for all its water customers, effective from June 1 to September 30:

A chart displays the Odd Even Watering schedule: odd addresses water Mon, Wed, Sat; even addresses water Sun, Tue, Thu. No watering is allowed on Fridays.

Exceptions (that do not require prior approval)

There are exceptions to the schedule that do not require prior City approval:

Outdoor potted plants and hanging baskets
Plants growing inside of greenhouses, both residential and commercial
Publicly owned facilities with active sports fields
Washing of cars and other vehicles
Pressure washing

Temporary Exemptions (that require prior approval)

You must apply for a temporary exemption or variance if you:

Plant a new lawn (sod or seed)
Plant new landscaped areas (trees and shrubs)
Have an irrigation system that waters areas on both sides of the street at the same time

To apply for a temporary exemption or variance:

Call Water Resources: 360-438-2687
Email: WaterResources@CityofLacey.org
Call Public Works: 360-491-5600

What Happens if I Don’t Follow the Odd-Even Watering Schedule?

Failure to follow the Odd-Even schedule may lead to fines and, ultimately, the shut off of the customer’s water service.

A first reported violation results in a warning.
A second report results in an official Notice of Violation.
A third report results in a $125 fine.
After a fourth reported violation, water service will be shut off and with a fine of $250.

Does the City Follow the Odd-Even Schedule?

The City follows the odd/even watering schedule on all City-owned properties, with the exception of exempt areas. Exempt areas include newly planted landscaping, newly seeded or sodded grass, and sports fields*.
While the City does not irrigate during the day, staff may briefly run irrigation systems to check alarms, perform repairs, and verify proper system operation.

*Sports fields are exempt to preserve the field for community use and protect the public’s investment in these facilities.