Water Restrictions: Bakersfield vs Delano
How do water restrictions rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Delano, CA?
Bakersfield and Delano have similar restriction levels.
Bakersfield, CA
Kern County
Bakersfield water customers are served by multiple providers including California Water Service (Cal Water) Bakersfield District and the City of Bakersfield Water Resources Department. Permanent state-wide conservation rules under Water Code §10608 and regulations from the State Water Resources Control Board prohibit watering during/after rain, runoff onto pavement, and daytime irrigation. Cal Water's current schedule limits outdoor watering to three assigned days per week.
View full Bakersfield rules →Delano, CA
Kern County
Delano is within the Kern County Subbasin under California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The City and the Kern Groundwater Authority adopted a Groundwater Sustainability Plan that targets safe yield by 2040, leading to ongoing pumping restrictions.
View full Delano rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Delano |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Utility | Cal Water Bakersfield District | - |
| Watering Days | 3 days/week (address-based) | - |
| No Irrigation | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | - |
| Post-Rain Wait | 48 hours | - |
| AB 1572 | No potable water on non-functional CII turf (2027-2031) | - |
| SGMA Subbasin | - | Kern County |
| Theft Code | - | DMC Ch. 13.06 |
| Turf Max | - | 50% of landscaped area |
| Permit Threshold | - | Landscaped area ≥2,500 sq ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bakersfield FAQ
Which water utility serves my Bakersfield property?
Most of Bakersfield is served by California Water Service (Cal Water) Bakersfield District. Portions of the city are served by City of Bakersfield Water Resources, East Niles CSD, or Oildale MWD. Check your water bill or enter your address on the Cal Water service area lookup.
Can I water my lawn during Bakersfield's hot summer afternoons?
No. Daytime irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. is prohibited by statewide conservation rules because of evaporation loss. Water early morning or evening on your assigned days, and use drip systems where possible.
Does AB 1572 affect my home lawn?
Not directly. AB 1572 bans potable water irrigation of non-functional decorative turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties, phased in from 2027 to 2031. Residential lawns are exempt, but most Bakersfield water providers still require drought-tolerant landscaping in new installations.
Delano FAQ
Are lawns restricted?
Yes — new commercial/multifamily projects are limited to 50% turf and must use water-efficient irrigation; AB 1572 also phases out non-functional turf irrigation with potable water statewide.
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