The watering schedules in Las Vegas vary by season, with specific days and restrictions to conserve water. In summer, when lawns need the most water, residents can water up to six days a week. In spring and fall, watering is limited to three days a week, and in winter, only one day a week is allowed.
The days vary depending on where you live. Check the table below for details, and learn about Las Vegas watering schedules for each season.
Assigned watering days
Below, you’ll find the current watering schedules for Las Vegas. Check your assigned watering group to plan your lawn care and stay updated, as these guidelines may change.
| Watering Group | Summer (May – Aug.) | Spring/Fall (Mar. – Apr./ Sept. – Oct.) | Winter (Nov. – Feb.) |
| A | Mon.-Sat. | Mon., Wed., Fri. | Mon. |
| B | Mon.-Sat. | Tues., Thurs., Sat. | Tues. |
| C | Mon.-Sat. | Mon., Wed., Fri. | Wed. |
| D | Mon.-Sat. | Tues., Thurs., Sat. | Thurs. |
| E | Mon.-Sat. | Mon., Wed., Fri. | Fri. |
| F | Mon.-Sat. | Tues., Thurs., Sat. | Sat. |
Nevada has faced years of drought, prompting the state to take serious water conservation measures, including the mandatory watering schedules above, and a grass ban in Las Vegas that will stop the use of Colorado River water for most nonfunctional turf by 2027 and restrict turf installation in front and backyards.
As a Las Vegas homeowner, it’s important to follow your mandatory watering schedule so you can avoid water waste fines.
Recommended schedule for drip irrigation
If you have a drip irrigation system, which is more water-efficient and ideal for landscape and garden plants, you know it should run longer but less frequently than sprinklers. Even if you’re allowed to water during the days stated above, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SWNA) recommends the following schedule for drip systems:
- Summer: Four days a week
- Spring and fall: Two days a week
- Winter: One day a week or less
Watering restrictions
Here are some important restrictions to keep in mind:
- No watering on Sundays: Watering, whether through sprinkler or drip system, is strictly prohibited on Sundays, no matter the season.
- Time restrictions: From May 1 through August 31, both sprinkler and drip irrigation are not allowed between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Instead, water your lawn or landscape early in the morning, before sunrise, to reduce evaporation caused by wind and heat.
Las Vegas spring watering schedule
| Sprinklers (for lawns) | Drip Irrigation (for plants and trees) |
| 12 minutes a day (5, 6, and 7 a.m.) | Two days a week |
From March to April, you can water up to three days a week.
Lawns: For sprinkler watering for your lawn, aim to water for a total of 12 minutes on your watering days. Break it down into three 4-minute cycles in the early morning, specifically at 5, 6, and 7 a.m., with pop-up sprinklers. If you have rotating sprinkler heads, you can water for 12 minutes straight. Also, don’t forget to turn off your sprinklers on rainy days to reduce water use and prevent overwatering.
Plants and trees: For drip irrigation, the SNWA suggests watering two days a week.
Las Vegas summer watering schedule
| Sprinklers (for lawns) | Drip Irrigation (for plants and trees) |
| 12 minutes a day (overnight or around dawn) | Four days a week |
From May to August, Las Vegas residents can water up to six days a week. For sprinklers, the SNWA recommends watering overnight or at dawn to reduce evaporation. Start with three to four days in May and increase as needed in June, July, and August.
Lawns: While the best grasses for Las Vegas include both warm-season and cool-season varieties, warm-season grasses, like buffalograss, are more resilient to the state’s hot summers. Note, however, that while warm-season grasses need less frequent watering, they thrive best when you water them deeply.
If you have a cool-season lawn, like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, follow the recommended schedule to prevent dormancy during summer droughts.
Plants and trees: For drip irrigation, run your system for 30 to 90 minutes, three days a week, but avoid watering between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Las Vegas fall watering schedule
| Sprinklers (for lawns) | Drip Irrigation (for plants and trees) |
| 12 minutes a day (overnight or around dawn or at 5, 6, and 7 a.m.) | Two days a week |
From September to October, you can water your landscape or lawn three days a week.
Lawns: For lawns with sprinkler systems, early fall days are still warm, so continue watering overnight or around dawn. You can also water for four minutes each at 5, 6, and 7 a.m.
Plants and trees: For drip irrigation, watering for only two days a week is recommended.
Las Vegas winter watering schedule
| Sprinklers (for lawns) | Drip Irrigation (for plants and trees) |
| 12 minutes a day (8, 9, and 10 a.m.) | One day a week or less |
From November to February, you can water only one day a week.
Lawns: When using a sprinkler, water your lawn during the warmer part of the day, like 8, 9, or 10 a.m., to prevent freezing and avoid afternoon winds.
Plants and trees: For drip irrigation, water your landscape once a week or even less.
Remember: Regardless of the season, you’re not allowed to water your grass on Sundays.
FAQ on Las Vegas lawn watering schedules
How can I avoid wasting water when watering my Las Vegas lawn?
Aside from using the 12-minute watering method, here are some easy tips to save water while keeping your Las Vegas lawn healthy:
- After mowing, make sure your sprinklers are not broken or misdirected.
- Use the right size and height of sprinkler heads for your yard.
- Look for pooling water or bubbles in your grass, which can indicate a leak.
- Avoid planting grass on narrow strips, curved areas, or slopes.
- Install a smart irrigation timer with a rain sensor to save water.
If you’re someone who wants to conserve water while spending less time working in the yard, you can explore low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Las Vegas, such as xeriscaping and using ground covers.
Are there exemptions in the Las Vegas watering restrictions?
You may water a new landscape or reseeded landscape daily for up to 14 days after the initial planting. This exemption is allowed once per calendar year. Call the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) before planting to have this noted on your water account.
How long will Las Vegas have water?
Las Vegas will have enough water for years if conservation continues. In 2023, the federal government reduced Southern Nevada’s water from Lake Mead by over 8 billion gallons, following water shortage declarations in 2021 and 2022.
Thanks to proactive conservation efforts, water use has remained low. Since 2002, Southern Nevada has reduced water use by 48% per person, even with over 750,000 new residents. With ongoing conservation, Las Vegas can continue to support its growing population for years to come.
Remember: Conserving water doesn’t mean sacrificing a beautiful landscape. Check out our drought-resistant landscaping ideas for Las Vegas so you can still maintain an envy-worthy landscape while being mindful of your water use.
Let the pros handle it for you
Don’t let the various watering restrictions and rules in Las Vegas stress you out. Keeping track of the schedules and ensuring your lawn gets the proper care can be overwhelming. Instead, let the experts handle it for you.
We can help you hire a local lawn care pro to ensure your lawn gets the right amount of water at the perfect times, keeping it healthy and beautiful without the hassle.
Main Image Credit: kerkezz | Adobe Stock Free | License
