Sioux Falls Lawn Watering Schedule

To conserve water, Sioux Falls’ lawn watering schedule changes based on river flow levels and overall water demand. The schedule is divided into three stages.

In Stage 1, watering is allowed on specific days based on property addresses. Stage 2 allows watering just one day a week, and Stage 3 bans lawn watering entirely.

Sioux Falls gets its water from several sources: the Big Sioux River, the Middle Skunk Creek Aquifer, the Big Sioux Aquifer, and the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System. This helps the city keep a steady supply of water, even when conditions change. Discover when to water your Sioux Falls lawn in this article.

Lawn watering schedule

The city has set up a watering program, backed by ordinances #50 to #52, to guide everyone on how and when to water. 

The general rules are simple — water your lawn on odd or even days depending on your house number, and make sure to avoid the heat of the day from noon to 5 p.m. However, the rules adapt to how much water the city is using and how much is flowing in the river.

Let’s break it down into the stages so you know exactly what to do when things shift.

Stage 1: Regular watering

In Stage 1 of the lawn watering schedule, things are pretty straightforward. With river flow above 50 cubic feet per second, all municipal water users, including residential, industrial, commercial, and city facilities, need to follow these guidelines:

• Watering days: Lawn watering is allowed any day, except between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Odd/Even rule:
  • Even-numbered addresses: Water on even-numbered calendar dates.
  • Odd-numbered addresses: Water on odd-numbered calendar dates.

Stage 1 means river flow is stable. But homeowners should not get too comfortable as this could change if river levels drop or water usage increases.

Stage 2: Restricted watering

Imagine the river flow drops for several days, and the city is using more water — now the city is in Stage 2, and watering your lawn gets more restricted. 

If river flow drops between 20 and 50 cubic feet per second for 10 straight days and city water demand exceeds 42 million gallons per day, Sioux Falls will move into this stage. At this point, watering becomes more limited to conserve resources.

• Weekly schedule: Whether you own or manage a residential, commercial, industrial, or even city facility, you can water only once per week, based on the last number of your address:
  • 0: Water on Monday
  • 1: Water on Tuesday
  • 2-3: Water on Wednesday
  • 4: Water on Thursday
  • 5: Water on Friday
  • 6-7: Water on Saturday
  • 8-9: Water on Sunday
• Time restrictions: Watering is still prohibited from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Stage 3: No watering

This is the stage the city hopes to avoid. In Stage 3, the situation becomes more critical. If river flow drops to 20 cubic feet per second or less for five straight days and water demand exceeds 34 million gallons per day, all lawn watering will be prohibited.

• Watering ban: Lawn watering is not allowed at all.

If Stage 3 is implemented, conserving water becomes a community effort to protect Sioux Falls’ supply.

Best time for watering lawns

To get the most out of your irrigation, aim to water early in the morning. Here’s why:

• Better distribution: Watering in the early morning allows for more even distribution. With less wind and lower temperatures, there’s less evaporation, so more water actually soaks into the soil.
• Less evaporation: Early mornings are cooler, and there’s less sunlight to cause evaporation. This means more of the water you apply will reach the roots where it’s needed.
• Water conservation: During droughts or when water is scarce, morning watering helps conserve water.

Watering in the morning also supports Sioux Falls’ rule that prohibits watering from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. to minimize evaporation and runoff.

Pro Tip: To keep your lawn healthy and vibrant, it’s essential to pair the right watering schedule with the best lawn fertilization schedule for Sioux Falls to ensure your lawn gets the nutrients it needs while following city guidelines for watering.

Knowing when to water your lawn is just part of the picture — figuring out when to stop is just as important. To make it easier, even with local rules to follow, check out our guide: “When to Stop Watering Your Lawn.”

Beyond lawn watering

Sioux Falls’ lawn care rules go beyond just the watering schedule and restrictions. It’s crucial to stay informed. Read our article, “How to Follow the Sioux Falls Lawn Ordinance,” to learn more about the city’s regulations and how to stay compliant.

Remember, watering is just one part of maintaining a lush, healthy lawn. To help you keep your whole yard in top shape, we’ve put together some useful resources tailored for Sioux Falls and South Dakota:

• The Best Grass Seed for South Dakota Lawns
• When to Plant Grass Seed in South Dakota
• South Dakota Native Grasses for Lawns and Landscapes
• Beautiful South Dakota Flowers for Landscaping
• South Dakota Native Plants for Landscaping

FAQ about watering in Sioux Falls

Are there any exemptions for watering newly installed lawns?

Yes, if you’ve just put in a new lawn, you can get a special permit to water it. Just reach out to Sioux Falls Public Works to get your permit and make sure you’re following all the rules.

Can I hand-water my plants?

Absolutely. Hand watering is fine at any time of day in Sioux Falls. Just make sure you use a hose with a nozzle that automatically shuts off when you release it. This applies to all kinds of plants, including trees, shrubs, ground covers, flowers, vegetables, and more. And remember, your hose should be in good condition to avoid any leaks and prevent water waste.

Need a helping hand?

Feeling overwhelmed by all the watering rules? If you’d like to keep your lawn healthy without the stress, let a local expert handle it for you. 

We can connect you with Sioux Falls lawn care experts who will manage everything from adhering to watering restrictions to other essential lawn care tasks. They’ll ensure your lawn stays green and vibrant, while you enjoy the peace of mind knowing it’s in expert hands. 

Main Image Credit: pridannikov | Adobe Stock Free | License

Aly Narvaez

Aly finds joy in life's simple pleasures. Writing is her passion, and she cherishes moments spent with her furry companions and exploring the beauty of nature and the outdoors — even if it's just admiring a neighbor's lawn.

Posts by Aly Narvaez