On May 14, 2026, The Chester Metropolitan District will move into a Stage 2 Drought. At Stage 2, the goal is to reduce water usage by 5-10%. Once Stage 2 Drought is officially declared, mandatory water restrictions will begin. Violations of these mandatory water restrictions will result in fines.
Stage 2 mandatory water restrictions limit the use irrigation systems or lawn sprinklers and the filling/refilling of pools to two days per week, days staggered according to address.
- Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM ONLY.
- Even-numbered addresses may water on Thursdays and Sundays, 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM ONLY.
- Newly seeded/sodded lawns may be watered once daily for the first two weeks after seeding/sodding, 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM ONLY, then shall adhere to the above schedule.
Topping-off of swimming pools is limited to two (2) days per week.
Residential vehicle washing is prohibited.
The use of hand-held watering methods (watering can or hose) and drip-irrigation or soaker hoses is encouraged over automated methods. Runoff is prohibited.
Washing of buildings, sidewalks, and streets is prohibited except as required to maintain safety standards and regulatory compliance.
Flushing operations are prohibited except as required to maintain water quality and regulatory compliance.
ENFORCEMENT
These restrictions will be enforced. If any customer of the Chester Metropolitan District fails to comply with any and all mandatory or emergency water use restrictions, the customer shall be given written notice of such failure to comply, which cites the date of said violation, and shall be assessed surcharges in accordance with the following schedule:
Residential:
- First Violation – $50, issued as a surcharge added to the customer’s utility bill, or as a $50 violation notice delivered by a CMD courier.
- Second Violation – $100, issued as a surcharge added to the customer’s utility bill, or as a $100 violation notice delivered by a CMD courier.
- Third Violation – The customer’s utility service shall be terminated and restored only after payment of a surcharge or violation in the amount of $150 in addition to all previously assessed surcharges or notices. Reconnection fees will apply.
Commercial & Industrial:
- First Violation – $100, issued as a surcharge added to the customer’s utility bill, or as a $100 violation notice delivered by a CMD courier.
- Second Violation – $200, issued as a surcharge added to the customer’s utility bill, or as a $200 violation notice delivered by a CMD courier.
- Third Violation – The customer’s utility service shall be terminated and restored only after payment of a surcharge or violation in the amount of $300 in addition to all previously assessed surcharges or notices. Reconnection fees will apply.
CMD has the authority to discontinue service to repeat violators with three (3) or more offenses until usage restrictions are eased.
EXCEPTIONS
CMD may honor exceptions for those who recently installed new landscape or for businesses whose livelihood depends on daily water use.
The property owner at the site of new landscape installation may apply for a variance to allow watering during the first 30 days of new turf installation. If approved, the variance must be posted prominently at that site.
Water-essential businesses that cannot sustain operation under the odd/even schedule (i.e. construction, car washes, nurseries, pressure washing companies, etc.) may apply for a variance accompanied by a written alternative watering plan that describes how they would effectively reduce water consumption by 5 to 10 percent. These are subject to approval by the District.
Variance request forms, detailed Stage 2 information, and our complete Drought Response Plan & Policy are available on our Drought Management page or in person at the CMD Office, 155 Wylie Street, Chester.
