Proposed Irrigation Ordinance

Recognizing that a reliable water supply is essential to the community, City of Columbia Utilities is proposing an irrigation ordinance to efficiently manage water use and support sustainable growth across the community.

With increased outdoor water usage in the summer, Columbia’s daily summer peak water demands — the largest amount the system is asked to provide all at once — can exceed 170% of winter water demands. And the highest hourly demand in the summer is around 240% of the peak winter hourly demand.

By staggering the lawn watering to specific days and times, users can reduce the peak demand on the water system. In addition, by requiring water conservation technology on new systems that inhibit or interrupt operation during periods of sufficient moisture, users will reduce the total amount of water used. Also, spreading outdoor water usage over a larger period of time will also allow lawn irrigation systems to operate more effectively within their designed parameters.

These irrigation measures can reduce the peak water demands and the total amount of water used for the City’s water system, allowing for the water supply and distribution systems to operate more efficiently by reducing operational costs and improving the longevity of the infrastructure.

By proposing the irrigation ordinance, City of Columbia Utilities strengthens its commitment to water efficiency and conservation strategies that reduce water use and waste to help extend the life of existing water supply and water treatment and distribution infrastructure and keep clean, safe water affordable for all residents.

Specific details including proposed schedule, irrigation system requirements, exceptions and means of enforcement may be found under the Documents tab on the right side of this page.

Public input meetings (dates TBD)

City of Columbia Utilities is planning to host two public input meetings to discuss the ordinance. Water Utility customers will have the opportunity to engage with City staff regarding the necessity of the ordinance and the future of water use in Columbia.

Please click on the Follow button for updates to this page or follow City of Columbia Utilities social media for schedule announcements.

• Facebook: facebook.com/ColumbiaWaterLight

• X: @CoMoWaterLight

• Nextdoor: nextdoor.com/agency/city-of-columbia-department-of-community-development

Best practices

City of Columbia Utilities wants to make sure that customers know the proper ways to water their landscape to help save money and conserve water. Whether watering your garden or laying new grass, it is important to think about how to use water efficiently. Visit ColumbiaPowerPartners.com for tips on outdoor water conservation, water-efficient landscaping and proper irrigation system use.