Water Restrictions: Antioch vs El Cerrito
How do water restrictions rules compare between Antioch, CA and El Cerrito, CA?
Antioch has fewer restrictions than El Cerrito.
Antioch, CA
Contra Costa County
Antioch's water is supplied by the City of Antioch Water Department from the Contra Costa Canal (CCWD wholesale) and local sources. State Water Resources Control Board permanent restrictions apply year-round: no runoff, no hosing hardscape, no watering within 48 hours of rain. Odd/even outdoor watering schedules may be activated during drought.
View full Antioch rules →El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Permanent statewide water waste rules and water district schedules apply in unincorporated Contra Costa. EBMUD and Contra Costa Water District limit landscape irrigation to set days and hours, prohibit runoff and daytime watering, and can impose excessive-use penalties up to $2 per extra unit plus surcharges during droughts.
View full El Cerrito rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Antioch | El Cerrito |
|---|---|---|
| Water utility | City of Antioch Water Department | - |
| Raw water source | San Joaquin Delta / CCWD | - |
| Permanent rules | No runoff, no hardscape hosing | - |
| Rain lockout | 48 hours after measurable rain | - |
| MWELO | Required for landscapes >500 sq ft | - |
| Statewide bans | - | Runoff, post-rain watering, hosing hard surfaces |
| EBMUD drought schedule | - | 2 days/week during Stage 2; Excessive Use Penalty |
| CCWD schedule | - | 3 days/week odd-even, before 9am/after 6pm |
| Non-functional turf | - | CII irrigation banned statewide |
| Enforcement | - | Warnings, $50 to $500 fines, flow restrictors |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Antioch FAQ
What days can I water my lawn in Antioch?
During non-drought periods there is no assigned schedule, but you must avoid runoff, hardscape hosing, and daytime watering. Drought stages may activate odd/even schedules - check antiochca.gov/water.
Does MWELO apply to my home landscape remodel?
MWELO applies to new and renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft that require a permit. Smaller residential projects are exempt, but all water-waste prohibitions still apply.
El Cerrito FAQ
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Yes, if you use a hose with a positive shutoff nozzle and there is no runoff. Using a commercial car wash that recycles water is preferred.
Does the drip irrigation schedule apply to food gardens?
Watering of edible food gardens is generally exempt from day-of-week restrictions if done efficiently (drip), but the no-runoff and no-daytime-watering rules still apply.
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