In Reno, homeowners can water their lawns up to three days a week, with specific days assigned based on their addresses. Given Reno’s clay-based soil and dry climate, following Reno’s watering days is key to maintaining a lush lawn.
Keep reading to discover which days you can water and how to make the most of these watering schedules.
Assigned watering days
If you’re living in Reno, the assigned-day watering schedule gives you three days a week to water your lawn using sprinklers, depending on whether the last number of your home address is even or odd. Here’s how it works:
Reno’s high-desert climate receives only about 7 inches of rain per year. The region relies heavily on the Truckee River, which is fed by Lake Tahoe, as a primary water resource. Hence, residents are encouraged to be smart and responsible about water.
Assigning watering days helps ease pressure on the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) water system. This encourages deeper, less frequent watering, allowing your lawn to absorb water and prevent runoff.
Watering restrictions
- Sprinkler systems only: The designated watering schedule is specifically for sprinkler irrigation systems. However, you can use drip systems or manually water your vegetable gardens, flower beds, trees, and shrubs any day of the week. To conserve water, the TMWA suggests using a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Monday rest day: Avoid watering on Mondays to give TMWA’s system a chance to recharge.
- No midday watering: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, sprinklers must be strictly turned off from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Spring watering in Reno
In April and May, focus on deep root growth. Start by watering deeply every other week, then switch to once a week.
Since Reno’s clay soil absorbs water slowly, use the “water-and-wait” method on your assigned days:
- Water until puddles form or just before runoff starts. Then stop and let the water soak in for 1-2 hours. For sloped yards, water in shorter, more frequent sessions.
- If you have automatic sprinklers, use multiple shorter cycles instead of a long one. For example, water for 15 minutes, wait 1-2 hours, then repeat. If 15 minutes still produces runoff, try using three 10-minute cycles instead. This helps water reach the roots and reduces waste.
Summer watering in Reno
Keep using the “water-and-wait” method and stick to your three assigned watering days. If you have an automatic sprinkler, increase the number of cycles during the hot months of July and August, and adjust as needed based on the temperature.
To find out the optimal times for watering your lawn in the summer, check out: “When is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn in Hot Weather?“
Fall watering in Reno
In September and October, as the weather cools down, get your lawn ready for winter. Water once a week and then switch to every other week as temperatures drop.
Winter watering in Reno
From November to March, your lawn and plants will be mostly dormant. This means your lawn and landscape don’t need watering until spring.
Water trees and shrubs only if it hasn’t rained or snowed in over a month and if the ground isn’t frozen.
Best times to water your Reno lawn
Here are the recommended times to water your Reno lawn:
- Cool hours: Water your lawn late at night or early in the morning when it’s cooler. This helps the water soak in and reduces evaporation.
- Skip midday watering: Avoid watering from noon to 6 p.m. to prevent water loss from evaporation.
Cool-season grasses are the best grasses for Northern Nevada, including Reno. Examples of cool-season grasses include Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. Note that these grasses generally require more frequent watering than warm-season varieties.
Remember: Use a smart irrigation controller or turn off sprinklers when it’s raining or windy for more efficient water use. Rain naturally waters your lawn, so extra watering isn’t needed. Wind can cause water to blow away, making irrigation inefficient and wasting water.
Pro Tip: If you see runoff, reduce your watering time by two-minute increments until it stops. This helps you find the right watering duration for your lawn.
FAQ about lawn watering days in Reno
When do I water my new Reno lawn?
New lawns need plenty of water to establish. Start watering frequently right after planting, whether in spring or fall. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Remember to get a 6-week watering variance from the TMWA to ensure your new lawn gets the water it needs.
To learn more on when and how to effectively water newly seeded lawns, check our article: “How Often to Water Grass Seed.”
What grass should I plant for a low-water and low-maintenance lawn in Reno?
Consider planting native grasses as they are drought-tolerant and require minimal care. They need very little water, no fertilization, and only occasional mowing. Some good options include:
- Warm-season grasses: Blue grama, buffalograss
- Cool-season grasses: Hard fescue, sheep fescue
You can also consider planting native plants for Northern Nevada landscapes like clover and yarrow for a water-efficient, low-maintenance yard. Just be sure to choose varieties suited to your specific Nevada planting zone.
What else can I do to save money on water bills while conserving water?
The TMWA recommends installing a lawn buffer zone between your lawn and pavement. This area of vegetation catches overspray and runoff, reducing water waste and pollution. For small lawn areas, consider replacing the entire area and install a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses and water-efficient plants to further cut costs and minimize runoff.
Get expert help
Want to simplify your watering routine and get the best results? Let Lawn Love connect you with Reno’s lawn care pros. They’ll manage everything from watering schedules to full lawn maintenance, ensuring your yard stays healthy and beautiful with minimal effort on your part.
