While our crews often spot water-use violations, many often go unnoticed. You can use our online water waste report form to submit photos or other key details to help determine whether a violation has indeed occurred. We will then investigate the issue and conduct any follow-up needed.

The first water waste violation will result in a warning and may include the installation of a real-time water measurement device on the water meter. The second and third violations may result in $50 and $100 fines, respectively. After four violations or an egregious violation, a flow-restricting device may be installed.

Regardless of the stage of drought, first-time violators will have a real-time water measurement device installed on their water meter. Unmetered customers will have a meter installed.

Second- and third-time violators will have per-day financial penalties imposed. The amounts depend on the drought stage.

• Stage 1: $25 for second violation, $50 for third violation
• Stage 2: $50 for second violation, $100 for third violation
• Stage 3: $100 for second violation, $200 for third violation
• Stage 4: $200 for second violation, $400 for third violation
• Stage 5: $400 for second violation, $800 for third violation
• Stage 6: $800 for second violation, $1,600 for third violation

Subsequent violations will result in the installation of a flow-restriction device with a minimum flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute.

Egregious violators could be subject to water service discontinuance.

If you are in a Cal Water service area and see a water leaks or water waste in public, you can report it using our Report Leaks and Waste form.

Note that as part of our customer-first approach, we prefer to educate customers about prohibited uses of water before issuing penalties.

If you dispute a penalty that has been assessed, you may call your local Cal Water office to speak with a customer service representative.

All leaks, breaks, or other water-related malfunctions must be repaired within five business days of notification by Cal Water. We encourage customers to make repairs sooner, if possible, to save water and money on their water bills.

All multi-residential housing complex residents are responsible for reducing their personal water use and complying with all water-use restrictions. Landlords are typically responsible for repairs to the plumbing or leaks on the customer service line.

If you have any questions about what you are responsible for as a tenant, please check with your landlord.

Water restrictions may impact you outside of the home, too. For example:

• Restaurants are restricted from serving water unless a customer requests it.
• Hotels and motels must offer guests the option of not having towels and linens laundered daily.
• Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties cannot irrigate non-functional turf.