Water Restrictions: Chino vs Ontario
How do water restrictions rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario 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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario's Water Shortage Contingency Plan limits outdoor watering to assigned days and cool hours. AB 1572 bans potable water on non-functional turf at commercial and HOA sites starting January 2027.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Authority | - | Ontario WSCP and CA Water Code |
| Overspray | - | Prohibited at all times |
| Drought watering | - | Assigned days, early or late |
| AB 1572 | - | Bans non-functional turf irrigation |
| AB 1572 start | - | January 1, 2027 (commercial) |
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.
Ontario FAQ
What days can I water my Ontario lawn?
During drought stages the city assigns watering days, typically limiting homes to two or three days per week and only before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to prevent evaporation.
Does AB 1572 force me to rip out my home lawn?
No. AB 1572 applies to non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, institutional, and HOA common areas. Single-family front and back lawns are exempt from the state ban.
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