May 7, 2026 (Moscow, Idaho) — Pursuant to City Code Title 5, Section 17-5, regarding establishing the Outdoor Irrigation Season for 2026, Public Works Director and Deputy City Administrator, Tyler Palmer, has consulted with appropriate staff, researched temperature and precipitation information, and determined that the 2026 Irrigation Season for the City of Moscow shall start Monday, May 11, 2026.
During the declared Outdoor Irrigation Season, the City encourages residents to refrain from outdoor irrigation until precipitation and soil moisture decreases to a point that landscaping needs supplemental water.
“Mid-May is typical for the start of Moscow’s irrigation season,” says Director Palmer. “We always aim to delay as long as possible, but this spring’s precipitation has come in just a few heavy bursts rather than steady rain, and current conditions and forecasts are what dictate the opening of irrigation season. The City of Moscow urges everyone do their part and water only when absolutely necessary.”
Title 5, Section 17-5 of the Code states: “Outdoor Irrigation shall be allowed only between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. local time, during the Outdoor Irrigation Season unless modified by variance pursuant to this Chapter. Outdoor Irrigation shall be prohibited at all times not within the declared Outdoor Irrigation Season, unless permitted by Variance [as issued by the Deputy City Administrator—Public Works and Services].”
Additional irrigation information and the Water Conservation Ordinance Variance Application are located on the City of Moscow website.
Questions regarding the Irrigation Season or variance process should be directed to Kelli Cooper, Sustainability Programs Coordinator, at (208) 883-7122.
###Story Contact: Tyler Palmer, Public Works Director and Deputy City Administrator
Phone: (208) 883-7096
Email:Tyler Palmer
