Water Restrictions: Altadena vs South Gate
How do water restrictions rules compare between Altadena, CA and South Gate, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than South Gate.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Outdoor watering in Altadena (served by Lincoln Avenue Water Co., Las Flores Water Co., Rubio Cañon, and Kinneloa Irrigation District) is limited to 2 days per week assigned by address — typically Mon/Thu odd, Tue/Fri even — with 10-minute-per-zone caps.
View full Altadena rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate Municipal Code Chapter 6.64 (Water Conservation Ordinance) prohibits irrigation with potable water between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., caps unattended irrigation at 15 minutes per station per day, bans non-recirculating decorative water features, prohibits vehicle washing except with a shut-off nozzle or bucket, and requires repair of leaks within 3 days of notice.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Watering Days | 2/week by address | - |
| Odd Address | Mon/Thu | - |
| Even Address | Tue/Fri | - |
| Hand Watering Cap | 10 min/zone | - |
| Authority | SWRCB CCR Title 23 §§996–997 | - |
| Watering hours banned | - | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (potable water, irrigation) |
| Max run-time | - | 15 minutes per station per day (unattended irrigation) |
| Leak repair | - | Within 3 days of notice from city |
| Code | - | South Gate Municipal Code Ch. 6.64 |
| State overlay | - | AB 1572 non-functional turf ban (Water Code §§ 110, 10540, 10608.12, 10608.22) — public agencies 1/1/2027, CII 1/1/2028, HOAs 1/1/2029 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Which days can I water my Altadena lawn?
Two days a week assigned by address: odd-numbered Mon/Thu, even-numbered Tue/Fri. Drip irrigation is exempt from the day restriction.
South Gate FAQ
When can I water my lawn in South Gate?
Any time outside the 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. window, but no more than 15 minutes per sprinkler station per day (Ch. 6.64).
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Only with a hand-held bucket or a hose equipped with a positive self-closing shut-off nozzle (Ch. 6.64).
What is AB 1572?
A California statute prohibiting irrigation of non-functional (decorative) turf with potable water at public agency, commercial, industrial, institutional, and HOA common-area properties on a phased schedule starting January 1, 2027.
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