Water for Urban Farms and Community Gardens
Where will your water come from?
- Is there already a water service on the lot?If a meter exists, ask the utility who the account holder is and whether the service is active. If there is none, go to step 2.
- Can the utility install a service or meter?Ask about a new service connection, the fee, who must do the trenching and whether the lot must be a legal parcel. See meters, hookups and backflow preventers. If it is too costly or slow, go to step 3.
- Is there a neighbor, school or church with a tap?A written water-sharing agreement can solve the first season. See below. If not, go to step 4.
- Can you use a hydrant or temporary meter?Some cities issue hydrant or temporary meter permits for construction, and some for gardens. Ask. If not, go to step 5.
- Is rainwater or greywater allowed here?Rain barrels and greywater are legal in many places with limits. See rainwater harvesting laws and greywater laws. Go to step 6.
- Is a well an option?A private well may be allowed, and well water used on food crops should be tested. See irrigation water quality and food safety.
Water sources compared
| Source | Good for | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| City water through a meter | Reliable supply for most gardens and farms. | Service connection and meter fees, rate schedule, backflow preventer, who holds the account. |
| Neighbor or host site | A quick start without new infrastructure. | A written sharing agreement, how usage is measured, who pays the bill. |
| Hydrant or temporary meter | Short-term supply for new gardens. | Whether the city permits it, backflow device, fees and the permitted period. |
| Rainwater collection | Reducing water bills for hand watering. | State and local rules, storage limits, mosquito control and food safety. |
| Greywater reuse | Irrigating ornamental and sometimes food plants from laundry or bath water. | State and local greywater rules, permits and what may touch edible parts. |
| Private well | Sites with no city water and a suitable aquifer. | Local well permit, water rights, water quality tests. |
| Reclaimed (recycled) water | Where the utility offers it for irrigation. | Whether it may be used on food crops, signs and cross-connection rules. |
How water is priced
Cities and utilities price water in different ways, and the way they charge affects how a garden should plan and how a sharing agreement should be written. Ask for the current rate schedule, and ask how the garden would be classified.
| Rate structure | How it works | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Tiered (block) rates | The price per unit rises as monthly use passes set levels. | What are the tiers and the price per unit in each? Will garden use push the account into a higher tier? |
| Flat or uniform rate | The same price per unit at every level of use. | Is there a fixed monthly service charge too? |
| Seasonal or peak rates | Higher prices in summer or at certain times. | Do outdoor use rates differ from indoor use? |
| Sewer charge | Many bills add a sewer charge based on water use. | Can irrigation water be separated from the sewer charge with an irrigation meter? |
| Fixed meter charge | A monthly fee for the meter size, regardless of use. | What does a smaller meter cost? |
Water prices change often and vary by city, so this page does not list prices. Find rates on your utility’s website or ask by phone. If you share water with a neighbor on a tiered account, the extra use may move the neighbor into a higher tier. Put in the agreement who pays for that.
Discounts and subsidies
Some utilities and cities offer lower rates, fee waivers, rebates or free water for community gardens, schools or nonprofits. There is no national rule, and many places have nothing. Ask your utility and your city garden or parks program these questions:
- Is there a community garden, nonprofit or agricultural rate or classification?
- Can the connection or meter fee be reduced or waived for a garden on public land?
- Is there a program that pays for or donates water for gardens?
- Are there rebates for rain barrels, drip irrigation or other water-saving equipment?
- Does it matter whether the garden is on city land, a church lot or private land?
Drought restrictions and water rationing
During a drought, a city may limit outdoor watering by day, time or method, or ban some uses. Rules differ on whether they apply to vegetable gardens. Look for these points in your local ordinance or utility notice:
- whether food gardens or hand watering are exempt;
- whether drip irrigation or a watering can is treated differently from sprinklers;
- whether rain barrel or greywater use is exempt;
- the fines or surcharges for breaking a restriction;
- how and when the city announces restrictions.
Plan for it: mulch beds, use drip lines, and keep a record of when you water and how much. A written plan can help if you ask for an exemption.
Water sharing agreements
If your garden uses a neighbor’s tap, put the arrangement in writing and have both sides sign it. A short agreement can solve most later disputes.
- Who owns the account and who is named on the bill.
- How use is measured: a sub-meter, a meter reading before and after, or an agreed estimate.
- What price per unit you will pay, and who pays any higher tier or fixed charges.
- When you may take water (hours, days, seasons) and what hose, device and backflow preventer you will use.
- Who is responsible for leaks, damage and cleaning up a spill.
- What happens if the neighbor moves or sells.
- How either side can end the agreement and how much notice is needed.
- What happens in a dispute (for example, a talk first and then mediation).
If your neighbor rents, the landlord may need to approve the arrangement. If more than one neighbor can share, spreading use across accounts may avoid higher tiers on a tiered rate, but it also adds paperwork.
Water in leases and city land programs
On land you do not own, the lease or license should say who provides water, who pays the bill, whether you may install a meter or a backflow preventer and what happens if the water is shut off. See land access and adopt-a-lot and city garden licenses. If your garden is on contaminated or unknown soil, read the soil safety guide before you invest in water infrastructure.
Water rights
Buying water from a city utility does not require you to hold a water right. Water rights matter when you take water from a stream, a ditch, a well or, in some states, even rain that falls on your roof. Rights come from state law and are different in the East and the West. If your plan involves a well, a ditch or a stream, talk to your state water agency or a water lawyer first. See rainwater harvesting laws for how rights affect rain barrels.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get water for a community garden?
Most gardens connect to city water through a meter, share a neighbor’s tap under a written agreement, or use a permitted hydrant or temporary meter. Ask the utility what is possible on your lot.
Who pays for water at a community garden?
The account holder pays the utility. Gardens split the cost through plot fees, a host organization, a sponsor or a grant. Write it down in your lease or agreement.
How do I get water to a vacant lot?
Ask the utility whether a service connection can be installed, what it costs and what you need, such as a legal parcel and a licensed plumber. Ask the owner, such as the city or a land bank, before you apply.
What does it cost to install a water meter or hookup?
It depends on the city, the pipe distance and whether service existed before. Ask the utility for a written estimate.
Can I use my neighbor’s water for my garden?
Often yes, with the neighbor’s permission. Put the arrangement in a signed agreement covering measuring use, price and responsibility.
What is a water use agreement?
A written agreement saying who may use water from which tap, how use is measured and who pays. See the checklist above.
Can I use a fire hydrant for a garden?
Only with the city or utility’s permission. Many cities issue hydrant or temporary meter permits with conditions. Never open a hydrant without a permit.
Are there discounts on water for community gardens?
Some places have them, many do not. Ask your utility and your city garden program.
Do drought watering restrictions apply to vegetable gardens?
It depends on the local ordinance. Some exempt food gardens, drip irrigation or hand watering. Check your utility’s notice.
Do I need a water right to water a garden with city water?
No. A water right is needed for taking water from a stream, ditch or well, depending on state law.
Do I pay sewer charges on irrigation water?
Often the bill adds a sewer charge based on water use. Ask whether a separate irrigation meter is allowed to avoid it.
How much water does a community garden use?
It varies with size, climate, crops and soil. Track use with a meter or a log through the first season, and mulch and drip irrigation can cut it.
What is a backflow preventer and do I need one?
A device that stops garden water from flowing back into the drinking water system. Many utilities require one. See meters, hookups and backflow preventers.
Official sources
- Your city or water utility: rate schedule, service rules, cross-connection and backflow program, and drought ordinance
- Your state water resources or water rights agency (for example the state engineer or department of water resources)
- U.S. EPA, Safe Drinking Water Act materials on cross-connection control (Cross-Connection Control Manual, EPA 816-R-03-002)
- U.S. FDA, Produce Safety Rule (21 CFR part 112) for water used on food crops
- Not checked for this page: individual city rates, fees, discount programs, hydrant permit rules and drought ordinances, which change often and vary by city