Water Restrictions: Berkeley vs Fremont
How do water restrictions rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Fremont, CA?
Fremont has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley follows East Bay MUD drought rules: no irrigation 9am-6pm, no runoff, hose must have shutoff nozzle. Drought surcharges and restrictions apply during declared drought stages.
View full Berkeley rules →Fremont, CA
Alameda County
Alameda County Water District serves Fremont and prohibits daytime outdoor watering, runoff, and watering within 48 hours of rain. AB 1572 phases out non-functional turf.
View full Fremont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Fremont |
|---|---|---|
| No watering | 9am-6pm (year-round) | - |
| Hose nozzle | Shutoff required | - |
| AB 1572 | No potable on non-functional turf | No potable on non-functional turf |
| Drought surcharge | 25-50 percent | - |
| Report waste | EBMUD 1-866-403-2683 | - |
| Water Utility | - | Alameda County Water District |
| No Watering | - | 10 am to 6 pm |
| Post-Rain | - | 48 hour wait |
| Fines | - | 50 to 500 dollars |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I still wash my car at home?
Yes, but only with a hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle, and water cannot flow onto the street. Commercial car washes that recycle water are unrestricted.
What is non-functional turf under AB 1572?
Ornamental grass in medians, parking strips, and office campuses not used for recreation. Berkeley began enforcement ahead of the state deadline and offers conversion rebates through EBMUD's Lawn Conversion program.
Fremont FAQ
Can I still wash my car at home?
Yes, ACWD permits home car washing with a shutoff nozzle on the hose. During Stage 2 drought declarations, residents must use a commercial car wash that recycles water or a bucket and nozzle only.
What is non-functional turf?
Grass that is purely decorative (medians, HOA front strips, office lawn) and not regularly used for recreation. Sports fields, school play yards, cemeteries, and residential backyards where people actively gather are functional and remain exempt.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Fremont compare on other ordinance categories.
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