How Often Should You Water in November? Quick Answer
Up to one day a week. The Washington County Water Conservancy District's Southern Utah watering guide says to water up to 1 day per week from November through February, down from up to 3 days a week in September and October. The district adds that most plants don't need irrigation in December and January, and that you should hand water then only if a plant needs it. That means many sprinkler clocks set for fall need to be changed when November starts.
The Seasonal Schedule
| Season | Sprinklers (lawn) | Drip (plants, trees) |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov.-Feb.) | Up to 1 day a week | Up to 1 day a week |
| Spring (Mar.-Apr.) | Up to 3 days a week | Up to 2 days a week |
| Summer (May-Aug.) | Up to 4 days a week | Up to 3 days a week |
| Fall (Sept.-Oct.) | Up to 3 days a week | Up to 2 days a week |
Sprinkler days are from the district's current watering guide page. The drip column is from the district's downloadable watering guide card.
How Long to Run Each Watering Day
- Lawn sprinklers, "cycle and soak": 3 cycles per watering day, 1 hour apart. Run each cycle 5 minutes for fixed spray heads or 10 minutes for rotating heads. The district says this lets water soak in deeply and prevents runoff.
- Drip: one cycle per watering day, 20 to 40 minutes for high-flow emitters or 30 to 90 minutes for low-flow emitters.
The district says every yard is different. Soil, weather, flow rate and plant type all change how much water you need. If a plant looks wilted, check the soil around its roots first. The district notes that both dry and waterlogged soil can make a plant wilt.
Is Overwatering Against the Rules?
In St. George, yes. The city's landscape ordinance, adopted July 28, 2022, defines water waste to include overwatering outside a seasonal schedule. For winter, November through February, that schedule matches the district guide: sprinklers and drip up to 1 day a week, with irrigation "typically not needed in December and January." The ordinance also counts as water waste:
- Watering while it's raining
- Water that sprays or flows off your property
- Not complying with drought restrictions
- Not fixing irrigation leaks or malfunctions in a timely manner
The schedule written into that 2022 ordinance allows fewer spring and summer days than the district's current guide does, so check the city's current code if you're unsure. When the ordinances were adopted, the district said each city enforces its own and would review water waste complaints and monitor meter data to notify, and penalize, customers who don't comply. It also said residential rules vary slightly by city, so if you live in Washington, Ivins, Hurricane, Santa Clara or another community, check with your city.
One rule you don't need to worry about now: St. George's ban on daytime watering with culinary water, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., applies only from June 1 through September 1.
A Quick Fall Checklist
- Change sprinkler and drip programs to one day a week for November.
- Plan to turn irrigation off in December and January, and hand water only plants that need it.
- Adjust heads so they don't spray walls, driveways or sidewalks.
- Trim grass around sprinkler heads so it doesn't block the spray.
- Check the system and replace broken or missing parts.
Thinking about swapping grass for desert plants? See our Southern Utah landscaping guide, or find local pros in our landscaping directory and home services guide. New to St. George? Our moving guide covers the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days a week can I water in November in Washington County?
Up to one day a week for sprinklers and drip, under the Washington County Water Conservancy District's guide. The same limit applies December through February.
Should I turn my sprinklers off in winter?
The district says most plants don't need irrigation in December and January, and to hand water only if needed.
Can I water during the day in November in St. George?
Yes. St. George's 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. limit on culinary-water landscape watering runs only from June 1 through September 1.
Is overwatering illegal in St. George?
The city's landscape ordinance defines water waste to include watering more than the seasonal schedule, watering in the rain, letting water run off your property and not fixing leaks. Cities enforce their own rules.
How long should I run my sprinklers?
Three cycles per watering day, an hour apart: 5 minutes per cycle for fixed spray heads, 10 minutes for rotating heads.
Sources
- Washington County Water Conservancy District: Southern Utah Watering Guide
- WCWCD: Watering guide card, sprinklers and drip (PDF)
- City of St. George: Amendments to Title 10, adopted July 28, 2022 (PDF, posted by WCWCD)
- WCWCD news release: Cities in Washington County adopt water conservation ordinances (Aug. 3, 2022)
- City of St. George Water Services: Water Conservation
Published October 18, 2026.
