Water Restrictions: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do water restrictions rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Berkeley and San Leandro 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 →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro water is supplied by EBMUD. Permanent statewide rules ban runoff, hosing hard surfaces, and watering within 48 hours of rain. AB 1572 phases out non-functional turf.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| No watering | 9am-6pm (year-round) | - |
| Hose nozzle | Shutoff required | - |
| AB 1572 | No potable on non-functional turf | Non-functional turf out |
| Drought surcharge | 25-50 percent | - |
| Report waste | EBMUD 1-866-403-2683 | - |
| Water Provider | - | EBMUD |
| Runoff | - | Always prohibited |
| Post-Rain | - | No watering 48 hrs |
| Shutoff Nozzle | - | Required on hoses |
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.
San Leandro FAQ
What days can I water my lawn in San Leandro?
EBMUD sets customer rules. In normal conditions there are no fixed days, but waste and runoff are always prohibited and watering is banned within 48 hours of rain.
Does AB 1572 affect homeowners?
No. AB 1572 targets commercial, institutional, and HOA non-functional turf. Private residential lawns are exempt.
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