In Stage 1, outdoor irrigation is not limited to certain days of the week, unless local ordinances state otherwise (current ordinances noted below). However, watering is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on all days, for all customers.

In Visalia, outdoor irrigation is limited to two days per week:

• Customers with odd-numbered residences can water on Tuesdays and Saturdays
• Customers with even-numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Sundays

In Westlake, outdoor irrigation is limited to three days per week (days are not specified).

For more information on Stage 1 watering restrictions, see the Rules and Restrictions page.

At Cal Water, we’re taking steps to conserve water by not only monitoring our own facilities and water pipelines but also:

• Replacing, repairing, and upgrading infrastructure to minimize water loss
• Identifying and repairing leaks through a Water Loss Auditing and Control Program
• Developing 30-year Water Supply and Facilities Master Plans, which enable us to identify and address potential gaps in supplies
• Updating Conservation Master Plans for each district to implement programs that maximize water savings for all our customers

Hand watering is allowed and exempt from irrigation day schedules. If you use a hose, use a nozzle with a shutoff valve and stay vigilant to confirm that you don’t overwater.

Cal Water encourages you to continue watering trees, as it will take more water to replace a mature tree than to keep it alive. Hand-watering is exempt from watering day restrictions. If using an irrigation system, watering should occur on assigned irrigation days. You can water trees responsibly by checking the soil prior to watering, allowing water to soak slowly, using mulch to retain moisture, and following other guidelines provided by experts.

You should stop irrigating during and for 48 hours after you receive measurable rainfall. Measurable rainfall is any amount of precipitation more than one-quarter of an inch.

Unless local ordinances specify time limits, we recommend watering 5-7 minutes, 2-3 times per assigned day, to maximize the benefit of irrigation.

Some customers wonder why it’s okay to hand-water with a hose and shut-off nozzle on any day, but not okay to water with a sprinkler system set to only water landscaped areas for a specific amount of time?

Hand-watering with a hose and shut-off nozzle allows for more targeted watering. While a sprinkler system may only water for a specific amount of time, it may cover a larger area that has portions that do not need to be watered and may water longer than needed. Hand-watering conserves water because users are able to target only what needs irrigation and stop when enough water has been applied.

Cal Water recommends consulting the user guide provided by the manufacturer to learn how to adjust the programming of your specific controller.