Water Restrictions: Chino vs Rialto
How do water restrictions rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto Water Services enforces year-round CA prohibited-use rules and assigned watering days. Under State Water Board Emergency Regulations and city policy, outdoor irrigation is limited to designated days, no runoff, no hose-down of hardscape, and no watering within 48 hours of rain.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Hose-Down Hardscape | - | Prohibited statewide |
| Runoff to Street | - | Prohibited |
| Water After Rain | - | No watering within 48 hrs |
| MWELO Threshold | - | New landscapes ≥500 sq ft |
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.
Rialto FAQ
What days can I water my lawn in Rialto?
Rialto Water Services publishes assigned watering days that change with drought stage (commonly 3 days/week, before 8 AM or after 6 PM). Check rialtowater.com for the current schedule.
Can I wash my car at home?
Yes, but only with a hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle, and runoff cannot flow into the street. Washing on dirt/lawn or at a commercial recycled-water car wash is preferred.
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