Water Restrictions: Chino vs Hesperia
How do water restrictions rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino is served by the city water utility within the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) wholesale service area and the adjudicated Chino Basin Watermaster. State regulations adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board prohibit specific outdoor water-waste practices statewide (runoff onto sidewalks, hosing down hardscape, non-recirculating fountains, irrigating within 48 hours of measurable rain). Chino additionally enforces day-of-week and time-of-day watering restrictions through its water utility under Title 13 (Public Services).
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code §14.04.170 (Water Conservation Emergency Plan) is currently in Stage 2, enacted by joint Hesperia City Council/Hesperia Water District Resolutions 2022-46 and 2022-10. Irrigation of non-functional turf is prohibited at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. Parks, golf courses, and schools may only irrigate between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.; all runoff is prohibited.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Local code title | Chino Municipal Code Title 13 (Public Services) | - |
| State framework | Title 23 CCR sections 990-997 (permanent water-waste prohibitions) | - |
| Regional wholesaler | Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) | - |
| Groundwater management | Chino Basin Watermaster adjudication | - |
| Daytime irrigation | Generally prohibited 9 a.m.-6 p.m. under shortage contingency rules | - |
| Current Stage | - | Stage 2 (active since 2022) |
| Code Section | - | HMC §14.04.170 |
| Park/School Hours | - | 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. only |
| Runoff | - | Prohibited |
| Non-functional Turf | - | Banned at CII properties |
| Hardscape Washing | - | Prohibited (health/safety exceptions) |
| State Floor | - | MWELO — CCR Title 23 §§490-495 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
What days can I water my lawn in Chino?
Chino's water utility assigns watering days based on the current drought stage in its water shortage contingency plan. Even in normal conditions, runoff onto sidewalks and hosing down hardscape are banned statewide and locally.
Are there exceptions for new landscaping?
Yes. The city's plan typically allows short-term establishment watering for newly planted drought-tolerant landscape and trees, subject to documentation. Hand-watering with a shut-off nozzle and drip irrigation are generally allowed any time.
Hesperia FAQ
When can I water my lawn in Hesperia?
Under HMC §14.04.170 Stage 2, watering is allowed but cannot cause runoff. Parks, schools, and golf courses are limited to 10 p.m.–5 a.m. Residential restrictions are less specific but waste is prohibited. Check with Hesperia Water District for the current stage.
Can I wash my driveway in Hesperia?
No. HMC §14.04.170 prohibits using district water to wash down hard surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots except where specifically permitted for public health and safety reasons.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Hesperia compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool