Water Restrictions: Bakersfield vs Ridgecrest
How do water restrictions rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest has fewer restrictions than Bakersfield.
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 →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
Unincorporated Kern County requires new and rehabilitated landscapes to comply with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) under Title 19, Chapter 19.86 of the Kern County Zoning Ordinance.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Code Section | - | Kern County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 19.86 |
| State Standard Referenced | - | 23 CCR Div. 2, Ch. 2.7 (MWELO) |
| Plan Preparer | - | Licensed landscape architect or C-27 contractor |
| Min. Plant Sizes (§ 19.86.020) | - | Trees 15 gal, shrubs 5 gal, groundcover 1 gal |
| Single-Family Standard | - | § 19.86.025 — MWELO + Title 17 |
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.
Ridgecrest FAQ
Does Kern County set specific outdoor watering days for unincorporated residents?
No. The county code defers to MWELO (state law) and to the local water purveyor. Public water agencies, community services districts, and public utility districts may adopt more restrictive watering rules under § 19.86.070(E), subject to Board of Supervisors approval. Watering days/hours therefore depend on which water district serves the property.
Do I need MWELO compliance for a small residential landscape?
All new single-family dwellings that install landscaping must comply with MWELO and Title 17 under § 19.86.025(B). Within the Indian Wells Valley Land Use Management Plan area, additional restrictions apply, including no turf in the front yard and a low-volume irrigation system requirement (§ 19.86.025.A).
What landscape uses are exempt from MWELO?
Under § 19.86.070(B), exemptions include: historical sites on official registers, ecological restoration projects without permanent irrigation, mined land reclamation projects without permanent irrigation, agricultural uses or community gardens, and botanical gardens or arboretums open to the public.
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