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Water Conservation & Lawn Irrigation Schedule
North Kingstown Water Conservation Ordinance
Helping North Kingstown protect its water supply while keeping lawns healthy and sustainable.
Watering Restrictions
Lawn watering is restricted to twice per week from July 1 through September 1. North Kingstown has at times experienced a water supply shortfall under maximum summer day water demand conditions. In other words, we do not have adequate pumping capacity to consistently meet the highest water demands we have experienced.
Pumping Capacity
We have at times exceeded pumping capacity. Our ability to provide municipal water and fire service is dependent on promulgating effective policies to reduce peak demand and other wasteful uses of our potable water supply.
Ordinance Amendment
In the interest of protecting public health and safety, and after considerable public discussion, the North Kingstown Town Council adopted an amendment to the North Kingstown Utilities Ordinance. This amendment restricts the irrigation of lawns and landscaping for properties using irrigation (sprinkler) systems to two (2) days per week.
Restriction Periods
Irrigation of lawns and landscaping for properties using sprinkler systems is restricted to twice per week from July 1 through September 1, on an annual basis, or until such time as this section is repealed, rescinded, or superseded.
- Irrigation District 1: Sprinkler use allowed on Monday and Thursday only
(All North Kingstown water customers located east of Route 1/Post Road/Tower Hill Road) - Irrigation District 2: Sprinkler use allowed on Tuesday and Friday only
(All North Kingstown water customers located west of Route 1/Post Road/Tower Hill Road) - No sprinkler operation is permitted in any district between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, or on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Hand watering of flowers and/or vegetable gardens is permitted at any time.
Water Conservation Tips
Courtesy of the Southern Rhode Island Conservation District
- Water in the morning (before 9 a.m.) to reduce evaporation and prevent disease.
- Limit watering to one inch per week, including rainfall. Use a rain gauge or shallow can to measure.
- Water deeply and slowly to moisten the root zone and promote healthy root growth.
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for efficient watering directly at the roots.
- Consider drought-tolerant fescue mixes with endophytes when planting new lawns. These grasses resist insects naturally and thrive in dry conditions.