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
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 →Hayward, CA
Alameda County
Hayward customers are served by EBMUD or SFPUC. Both impose outdoor watering limits and enforce permanent waste prohibitions year-round.
View full Hayward rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| No watering | 9am-6pm (year-round) | - |
| Hose nozzle | Shutoff required | - |
| AB 1572 | No potable on non-functional turf | Non-functional turf ban |
| Drought surcharge | 25-50 percent | - |
| Report waste | EBMUD 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.
Compare other topics
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