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Prohibited Water Uses
While each water year may vary in terms of how much rain we get, it's always a good idea to use water efficiently.
Below is the current list of prohibited water uses:
- Failing to repair a leak in the customer’s water system;
- Permitting excessive water run-off from the customer’s premises;
- Watering outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excessive runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures;
- Watering of outdoor landscapes during and up to 48 hours after measurable rainfall;
- Watering outdoor landscapes between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.;
- Using a hose to wash a motor vehicle, except where the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device attached to it that causes it to cease dispensing water when not in use;
- Washing driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, patios or other outdoor areas, unless the failure to do so would create a hazard to the health and safety of any individual or the public;
- Using potable water for non-recirculating fountains or other non-recirculating decorative water features;
- Irrigating ornamental turf in public street medians with potable water;
- Irrigating landscapes outside of newly constructed homes and buildings in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development; or otherwise failing to put water received from the District to reasonable and beneficial use.
Fines
To enforce the prohibitions, below are the established fines:
- Customers violating water-use prohibitions first receive a warning.
- A second violation may result in a $250 fine.
- A third violation may result in a $500 fine.
- Further violations may result in suspension of service.
- In addition to the fines, a penalty may be charged for the estimated water used in violation of the prohibition.
Be part of the solution
See water waste?
See a leak in the street?
If you discover a ruptured or leaking water main in the street or a broken fire hydrant, please call 925-688-8095 (or 925-688-8374 after hours) without delay, so a District repair crew can be dispatched immediately.
Water Efficiency Resources
Lawn & Landscape Watering Schedule (PDF)
Request a free Water Wise House Call