Beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the City of Richmond, along with Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, and Powhatan counties are implementing voluntary water conservation measures. In accordance with Richmond’s James River Regional Flow Management Plan, when average water flows drop to 1,700 cfs (cubic feet per second) for 14 consecutive days, voluntary conservation measures are implemented. Voluntary compliance of area customers will assist water treatment plants in the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County and Henrico County in providing water to all customers in the region while also meeting the James River Regional Flow Management Plan.

During periods of voluntary water conservation, residents in the City of Richmond and surrounding counties are asked to voluntarily reduce water usage. While full reductions are listed below, the majority of residents are impacted by the following lawn watering schedule: 

• Monday – No watering 
• Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – odd property addresses may water 
• Wednesday, Friday and Sunday – even property addresses may water 

Full list of conservation measures:

1. Fountains: Run fountains only between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Fountains may run at any time on two days each week chosen by the owner or operator.
2. Paved areas: Wash driveways, sidewalks, and other paved areas on any two days each week. Washing for health or safety reasons is always allowed. 
3. Swimming pools: Fill or add water to swimming pools only as needed to keep them safe and clean.
4. Vegetable gardens and lawns: Water vegetable gardens only between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Lawns may be watered at any time on two days each week. Watering with a bucket is allowed at any time. 
5. Vehicle washing: Wash vehicles on any two days each week using a handheld hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle. Commercial mobile vehicle washing businesses are exempt.
6. Restaurants: There are no water use restrictions for restaurants.
7. New landscaping: Newly planted trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass may be watered at any time during the first 10 days after planting. After the first 10 days, follow the lawn watering schedule above. 
8. Golf courses: Water golf courses only between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Golf course greens may be watered at any time.