Independent water-utility guide: WaterDepartmentGuide.org is not operated by or affiliated with the City of Bartlett. This page covers Bartlett, Tennessee. Temporary drought measures, emergency restrictions, rates and utility procedures can change, so check current City notices or call the Water Department before relying on an older restriction.
Bartlett Water Department Conservation Tips, Watering Rules & Restrictions
Bartlett, Tennessee water conservation guide
Save Water Without Guessing About Bartlett Watering Restrictions
The Bartlett Water Department handles customer water, sewer and City garbage accounts from Bartlett City Hall at 6400 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134. Customer service is available at 901-385-5585, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Restriction status: the current City utility pages and Bartlett’s published Water and Sewers ordinance reviewed for this guide do not publish a standing residential odd/even watering schedule or a permanent citywide lawn-irrigation ban.
That does not mean temporary restrictions can never be issued. During drought, infrastructure problems or another water-supply emergency, follow the newest City notice rather than an older watering routine.
Start here
Bartlett Water Department Quick Facts
Deep Groundwater Wells
Bartlett states that it supplies its own water through deep wells rather than purchasing all of its water from Memphis Light, Gas and Water.
18 Million Gallons Per Day
The City’s water-treatment information says four treatment plants can collectively provide approximately 18 MGD.
Know Which Side Leaks
The City is responsible for leaks on its side of the water line. A leak on the customer’s side is the customer’s responsibility.
Bartlett, Texas has a formal Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan. Those Texas rules do not apply to Bartlett Water Department customers in Shelby County, Tennessee.
2026 status
Does Bartlett Have Watering Restrictions?
The City’s published Water and Sewers ordinance also does not set out a routine residential lawn-watering schedule under terms such as watering, drought or sprinkler restrictions.
| Question | 2026 Guidance |
|---|---|
| Odd/even lawn watering days? | No standing City schedule was located in the current official Bartlett materials reviewed. |
| Permanent irrigation ban? | No permanent residential irrigation ban was located in the current City utility information reviewed. |
| Can emergency restrictions happen? | Yes. A temporary City emergency or drought notice issued later would supersede normal practice. |
| Does drought automatically mean watering is illegal? | No. Regional drought conditions and a legally effective local water restriction are not the same thing. |
| Should I conserve even without restrictions? | Yes. Summer irrigation creates peak demand, and leak prevention can reduce both water waste and utility costs. |
| Where should I verify a new restriction? | Check City of Bartlett notices or call the Water Department at 901-385-5585. |
Water restrictions can be temporary. During extreme heat, drought, a main failure or treatment issue, verify conditions with the City before heavy outdoor watering, pool filling or other discretionary water use.
Official City ordinances governing the public water and sewer systems.
Largest seasonal opportunity
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips for Bartlett Homes
Outdoor irrigation can create a large summer demand spike. The EPA WaterSense program recommends matching irrigation to actual landscape needs rather than operating sprinklers automatically regardless of weather.
Water Only When Needed
Do not run an irrigation system simply because the controller is programmed. Check soil moisture and recent rainfall first.
Avoid Windy Periods
Wind can carry sprinkler water away from the plants you intended to irrigate and onto pavement or neighboring property.
Inspect Every Zone
Look for broken heads, tilted nozzles, puddling, misting and sprinklers watering sidewalks or streets.
Use Smart Controls
WaterSense-labeled weather- or soil-moisture-based irrigation controllers can reduce unnecessary watering.
Mulch Planting Beds
Mulch helps reduce evaporation and can moderate soil temperature around landscape plants.
Choose the Right Plants
Use regionally appropriate plants suited to Bartlett’s climate and the amount of sun, shade and drainage on the site.
EPA estimates that replacing a standard clock-based irrigation timer with a properly installed WaterSense-labeled weather-based controller can save an average home thousands of gallons of water each year.
Fast outdoor checklist
- Do not water during or immediately after meaningful rainfall
- Repair broken sprinkler heads promptly
- Keep spray off streets and sidewalks
- Use drip irrigation for suitable beds
- Adjust controller settings seasonally
- Use a shutoff nozzle on garden hoses
- Sweep hard surfaces instead of hosing them
- Check pool equipment for leaks
- Use mulch around shrubs and beds
- Do not overwater newly established plants after rooting
Federal water-efficiency guidance for irrigation and water-smart landscaping.
Inside the home
Indoor Water-Saving Tips That Also Reduce Your Bartlett Bill
Toilets
Listen for running after flushing. A malfunctioning toilet can waste a large amount of water without creating an obvious puddle.
Faucets
Repair persistent drips and inspect under sinks for slow plumbing leaks.
Showers
Shorter showers and WaterSense-labeled showerheads reduce both water and water-heating demand.
Laundry / Dishwasher
Run full loads when practical instead of repeatedly operating appliances with only a few items.
A high-efficiency fixture cannot compensate for a toilet that runs continuously or an underground service-line leak. Find abnormal consumption first.
Highest-value troubleshooting
How to Check a Bartlett Water Meter for Leaks
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1
Turn everything off
Do not run sinks, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, irrigation systems, ice makers or other intentional water use during the test.
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2
Locate the water meter
Bartlett states that the meter is generally in the ground near the street or curb.
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3
Record the meter position
Write down the reading or take a clear photo so you have a reliable comparison.
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4
Check again after a no-use period
If the meter changed even though no water was intentionally used, investigate the plumbing and service line.
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5
Check the toilet first
The City specifically warns that a running or malfunctioning toilet can consume a remarkable amount of water in a short period.
Bartlett says the meter can be turned off with an appropriate meter key or pliers. Newer homes may have an interior master cutoff, often painted blue. If you are unsure which valve is safe to operate, contact the Water Department or a qualified plumber.
Unexpected consumption
High Bartlett Water Bill? Use This Order
Running Toilet
The City specifically identifies malfunctioning toilets as a cause of unusually high water usage.
Irrigation
Long sprinkler cycles, stuck valves and broken heads can drive summer consumption sharply higher.
Service-Line Leak
An underground leak after the City’s side of the service connection can continuously register water use.
High-bill audit
- Compare this month’s usage with prior months
- Check whether irrigation frequency changed
- Test all toilets
- Inspect outdoor hose connections
- Check pool auto-fill equipment
- Perform a meter no-use test
- Look for wet ground along the private service line
- Repair the problem promptly
- Keep repair receipts and documentation
- Call the Water Department about adjustment eligibility
The City’s Utility Billing FAQ specifically tells customers with high usage caused by a leaking toilet to repair the problem quickly and contact the Water Department at 901-385-5585 about a one-time leak adjustment.
Adjustment eligibility is determined by the City. Call as soon as the leak is discovered and ask what repair documentation or account information is required.
Who pays for the repair?
City-Side vs. Customer-Side Water Leaks
City Side of the Water Line
The City’s Utility Billing page states that a leak on the City’s side of the water line is the City’s responsibility.
Customer Side of the Water Line
The same City guidance states that a leak on the customer’s side is solely the customer’s responsibility.
Call 901-385-5585 before authorizing major excavation or assuming the repair belongs to the City.
Important boundary issue
Does Bartlett Water Department Serve Your Address?
The City says it provides water service outside Bartlett city limits in most of the Annexation Reserve, but Memphis Light, Gas and Water provides water to some parts of that area.
Bartlett Water Customer
Your bill and account are issued by the City of Bartlett. Use Bartlett’s utility rules, Water Department and current City notices.
MLGW Water Customer
If MLGW is the provider, follow MLGW billing, outage, conservation and emergency instructions rather than assuming Bartlett Water Department rules apply.
Bartlett’s official Utility Billing page states that rates differ depending on whether service is inside or outside City limits.
Local water system
Where Does Bartlett, Tennessee Get Its Water?
Bartlett’s official Water Treatment FAQ states that the City has four treatment plants supplied by deep wells with the ability to provide approximately 18 million gallons per day.
Conservation still reduces treatment and pumping demand, lowers peak summer use, limits wasted water from leaks and can reduce the customer’s bill.
Simple household plan
7-Day Bartlett Water Conservation Reset
| Day | Task | What You Are Looking For |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Review your last 3–6 utility bills | Unexpected increases and seasonal patterns |
| Day 2 | Perform the meter no-use test | Continuous hidden water use |
| Day 3 | Inspect toilets and faucets | Running toilets, drips and worn valves |
| Day 4 | Run each irrigation zone | Broken heads, overspray and puddling |
| Day 5 | Adjust watering schedule | Unnecessary cycles after rain or mild weather |
| Day 6 | Check outdoor connections and pool equipment | Hose bib, auto-fill or equipment leaks |
| Day 7 | Recheck the meter and account usage | Whether conservation changes reduced consumption |
Water safety restriction
Backflow & Cross-Connection Rules Still Matter
Although Bartlett’s published Water and Sewers ordinance reviewed for this guide does not establish a routine lawn-watering calendar, it does contain enforceable rules protecting the public water system from contamination.
Cross Connections
Unapproved connections between the public drinking-water supply and another potentially contaminated source are prohibited.
Backflow Protection
Properties with qualifying risks can be required to use approved backflow-prevention devices.
Inspection
The Bartlett Public Water System can inspect properties where cross-connection risks are possible.
Do not create an improvised graywater, irrigation or auxiliary-water connection to the potable system without confirming applicable plumbing, backflow and Tennessee requirements.
Customer service
Bartlett Water Department Phone, Address & Hours
Bartlett Utility Billing / Water Department
6400 Stage Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
Hours:
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Supervisor: Shannon Gregor, Water Administration Supervisor
Water Department Mailing Address
Bartlett Water Department
P.O. Box 341027
Bartlett, TN 38184-1027
Use your current account details when mailing payments or account documents.
Billing
Pay a Bartlett Water Bill
Online
Use the City of Bartlett’s official online-payment system.
By Phone
Call 901-313-6183. The City states that phone credit-card payments include the card fee plus an additional $0.50 transaction charge.
By Check
Mail a check, pay at City Hall or use the 24-hour drop box behind City Hall.
Bank Draft
Automatic bank draft is available and the City states there is no charge for the bank-draft service.
Bartlett’s current billing FAQ says cash only is accepted for services disconnected for nonpayment or for returned checks, and that payment must be made in person.
Moving in
Start Bartlett Water Service
Bartlett offers remote, downloadable/in-person and onsite pathways for new utility service.
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1
Choose an application method
Request an electronic application, download the appropriate form to bring to City Hall, or apply onsite.
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2
Prepare two forms of identification
The City requires two forms of ID for each applicant, including at least one picture ID from its accepted identification list.
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3
Submit the application and original IDs when applying in person
The City notes that staff can copy the original documents for an in-person application.
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4
Confirm your service location and rate area
Rates can differ inside versus outside Bartlett city limits.
Current applications, required identification and customer-service contact.
Prioritize your effort
Which Conservation Fix Should You Do First?
| What You Notice | Likely Priority | Next Action |
|---|---|---|
| Meter moves with everything off | Very high | Find the leak immediately. |
| Toilet runs between flushes | Very high | Repair the toilet and document the repair. |
| Sprinklers water pavement | High | Adjust heads and irrigation zones. |
| System waters immediately after rain | High | Adjust controller or install weather/soil sensing. |
| Small faucet drip | Medium | Repair the washer, cartridge or fixture. |
| Long daily lawn watering | High in summer | Reduce frequency based on actual landscape need. |
| Older fixtures but no leaks | Upgrade opportunity | Consider WaterSense-labeled replacements when due for replacement. |
Common searches
Bartlett Water Department FAQs
Does Bartlett, Tennessee have water restrictions in 2026?
What is the Bartlett Water Department phone number?
Where is the Bartlett Water Department office?
What are Bartlett Water Department office hours?
How can I lower a high Bartlett water bill?
Does Bartlett offer a water-bill leak adjustment?
Who is responsible for a water-line leak in Bartlett?
Does Bartlett buy its drinking water from MLGW?
What are the best outdoor water-conservation steps in Bartlett?
How do I check for a hidden water leak in Bartlett?
Official resources
Bartlett Water Conservation & Utility Resources
Utility Billing / Water Department
Phone, office, payment options, service area, leak responsibility and forms.
Water & Sewer Ordinances
Official codified rules for Bartlett’s water and sewer systems.
Online Payments
Water-bill account and online payment access.
City FAQs
Current new-service, billing, leak and meter answers.
EPA WaterSense
Federal guidance for leak prevention, fixtures, irrigation and outdoor efficiency.
Outdoor WaterSense Guidance
Landscaping, irrigation controllers and outdoor water-saving techniques.