Water Use Rules & Schedules

Water Use Rules

Long-Term Customer Water Efficiency Efforts

The following permanent standards apply to all SACWSD customers regardless of drought conditions and are separate from any drought-stage restrictions.

Wasteful Water Use Prohibition

Wasteful use of water is prohibited at all times. Examples include:

Do not allow excess water from irrigation or other outdoor uses flowing onto impermeable surfaces and into storm flow gutters.

Repair sprinkler systems within 10 days of identifying a leak to prevent excess water use.

Do not purchase water for the purpose of arbitrage, meaning customers may not acquire water and subsequently resell it for profit.

Do not irrigate during rain or high winds.

Do not water driveways or sidewalks.

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks, patios, and driveways.

Mandatory Outdoor Water Restrictions (Year-Round)

The following restrictions apply at all times

No outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Water no more than 2 days a week based on the last number of your street address during Stage 1 drought restrictions

Irrigation system maintenance is allowed at any time when actively observed by staff or a licensed contractor.

Hand watering of landscape materials is allowed at any time using a hose with a shut-off valve, drip system, or watering can.

Vehicle washing is permitted at any time using a hose with a shut-off device.

Outdoor Irrigation Restriction Principles

When restricting outdoor water use, SACWSD will apply the following principles:

Protect trees and shrubs first; restrict turf irrigation before perennial landscaping.
Restrict less-essential uses before essential ones — residential and commercial turf first, trees and public green spaces last.
Prioritize heavily used public spaces: school play areas, sports fields, and recreation facilities.
Provide advance notice before new restrictions take effect; minimize financial harm to water-reliant businesses.
Communicate clearly and in both English and Spanish throughout the drought response.

Water Use Schedules

Water No More Than 2 Days a Week

Watering Group	SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT
Single-family homes: Odd-numbered address
Single-family homes: Even-numbered address
All others, including: multifamily and commercial
Flowers and vegetables by means of a handheld hose

Watering schedule.

Stage 1 Drought Rules for New Sod & Seed

Installing new sod and seed is strongly discouraged allowed June-August during Stage 1 Drought.

April, May, September or October: New sod and seed may be watered for no more than 21 consecutive days. After 21 days, the new sod should be watered no more than two times per week, based on the Mandatory Irrigation Schedule.

Fines & Surcharges

Fines

Violation	Residential	Multi-Family, Schools, Churches, Commercial	Hydrant
Warning	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
First	$100.00	$250.00	$1,000.00
Second	$250.00	$500.00	$2,500.00
Third and any subsequent violations	$500.00	$1,000.00	$5,000.00

Violations per water usage type

Irrigation Tips

Use Cycle Irrigation

Running shorter irrigation cycles multiple times rather than one long run allows soil to absorb water between cycles, reduces runoff, promotes deeper root growth, and results in more drought-tolerant landscapes. This is especially beneficial in clay-heavy soils.

Soils

Use soil amendments and mulch in conjunction with drought-tolerant and native plant selections to reduce landscape water demand.

Minutes to Water
per Zone per Month

These times are based on a sprinkler system running at an efficient level. Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Month	Fixed spray heads	Rotor heads	Rotary/high-efficiency nozzles	Manual sprinklers
January- April water trees and shrubs as needed.
May	12 minutes	24 minutes	30 minutes	18 minutes
June	17 minutes	35 minutes	43 minutes	26 minutes
July	18 minutes	36 minutes	45 minutes	27 minutes
August	14 minutes	27 minutes	34 minutes	20 minutes
September	11 minutes	23 minutes	28 minutes	17 minutes
October-December water trees and shrubs as needed.