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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Water Restrictions

Water Restrictions: Berkeley vs Hayward

How do water restrictions rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Hayward, CA?

Berkeley and Hayward have similar restriction levels.

Berkeley, CA

Alameda County

Heavy Restrictions

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 β†’

Hayward, CA

Alameda County

Heavy Restrictions

Hayward customers are served by EBMUD or SFPUC. Both impose outdoor watering limits and enforce permanent waste prohibitions year-round.

View full Hayward rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactBerkeleyHayward
No watering9am-6pm (year-round)-
Hose nozzleShutoff required-
AB 1572No potable on non-functional turfNon-functional turf ban
Drought surcharge25-50 percent-
Report wasteEBMUD 1-866-403-2683-
Primary provider-EBMUD
No-water hours-9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shutoff nozzle-Required on hoses
Leak repair-Within 72 hours

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.

Hayward FAQ

How do I find my water provider?

Check your water bill. EBMUD covers most of Hayward; the city utility serves a small Hetch Hetchy area.

What is non-functional turf?

Grass in commercial or HOA areas that is purely decorative and not used for recreation or events.

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