Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
πŸ’§ Water Use Rules/Lawn Watering Restrictions

Anaheim vs Santa Ana

How do lawn watering restrictions rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?

Anaheim has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.

Anaheim, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Anaheim Public Utilities limits outdoor irrigation to assigned days and prohibits sprinkler use during midday hours, with stricter caps activated during state-declared drought stages under the city water conservation ordinance.

View full Anaheim rules β†’

Santa Ana, CA

Orange County

Heavy Restrictions

Santa Ana limits outdoor irrigation to assigned days and prohibits sprinklers during midday, aligning with Metropolitan Water District and OCWD drought stages affecting all single-family and commercial parcels.

View full Santa Ana rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactAnaheimSanta Ana
Watering windowBefore 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.-
Days allowedAssigned by address-
Post-rain ban48 hours-
Drought stage cap1-2 days per week-
No-water hours-9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hose nozzle-Self-shutoff required
Runoff-Prohibited on hardscape
Lead agency-Water Resources Division

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Anaheim FAQ

Can I hand-water plants any time?

Yes. Hand-held hoses with positive shutoff nozzles, drip irrigation, and buckets are allowed outside the sprinkler window.

How do I find my assigned watering days?

Anaheim Public Utilities posts day groups by address on its water conservation webpage and includes them on monthly bill inserts.

Santa Ana FAQ

How do I find my watering days?

Santa Ana publishes day assignments by address on santa-ana.org water conservation page. Schedules can shift during MWD drought declarations.

Are drip systems exempt from hour limits?

Drip irrigation and hand-watering with a shutoff nozzle are usually allowed any time. Confirm current rules during active drought stages.

Compare other topics

See how Anaheim and Santa Ana compare on other ordinance categories.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool