Customers with drip or micro-spray systems may water any day utilizing those methods. However, the use of rainwater collection barrels is only exempt for hand watering. We still recommend you water in the evening or early morning to reduce evaporation.

Currently, there are no restrictions on filling pools. However, we recommend you maintain the proper chemical levels and adequate circulation time to avoid having to drain and refill your pool. Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation. See the How can I save water in my pool? page for additional tips.

You may wash your car at home as long as you use a shutoff nozzle on your hose. To save more water, use a bucket with soap and water and only rinse with the hose. Alternatively, you can take your car to a car wash that utilizes recycled water.

Runoff is when water is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape onto other areas, such as pavement or gutters.

In addition to restrictions on lawn watering, there are several other restrictions, the most common of which include: There are no restrictions on hand watering, drip irrigation systems, or micro-spray irrigation.

While there are no restrictions to indoor water use, we strongly encourage customers to conserve water in a number of other ways, such as taking shorter showers, installing water-efficient shower heads and faucet aerators, and using washing machines and dishwashers with full loads only. For more conservation tips, see the Conservation FAQs page.

Yes. We encourage the use of high-efficiency household appliances and recommend only running the dishwasher when it has a full load of dishes.

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. Subsequent violations will result in the installation of a flow-restriction device … Read more