Oklahoma City Implements Mandatory Odd/Even Watering Program
(August 1, 2012) - City officials have implemented a mandatory odd/even
watering program in Oklahoma City, effective immediately.
The rotation program includes residents and businesses and remains in
effect until further notice. Citizens whose address numbers end in even
numbers may water yards on even- numbered days. Likewise, citizens whose
house numbers end in an odd number may water on odd-numbered days.
For example: If the house number of the address is
12345, then you would water on odd- numbered days, August 1, 3, 5, 7
and so on. If the house number of your address is 12346, then
you would water on even number days, August 2, 4, 6, 8 and so on.
Extreme temperatures cause an extreme demand for water, which lowers
water pressure for some residents and businesses. While some residents
are using a lot of water on yards, others at the end of the water system may
barely have enough water pressure to take a bath.
Watering yards every other day will reduce the daily demand and maintain
water pressure for everyone. The rotation program applies to yard sprinklers
and sprinkler irrigation systems. Hand watering potted plants, flower
beds, gardens and trees is allowed.
Cities that use Oklahoma City water are also required to
comply with the outdoor watering restriction.
Some homes and businesses continue to experience low water pressure during
this period of extreme temperatures. It’s almost unavoidable when everyone
waters their yards or landscaping at the same time.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to follow these practices on
their watering day:
- Water between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. when water use is lower and less
water is lost to evaporation.
- Let the Bermuda grass turn brown. It’s dormant, not dead, and it
will come back.
- Concentrate watering efforts on sensitive plants, trees and shrubs.
Watering the flower beds and landscaping close to the house will also
water the foundation.
- Reset sprinkler system frequencies to water in the late evening or
early morning and for less time.
Contact: Debbie Ragan
297-3363 / 301-3839
debbie.ragan@okc.gov
