Water Restrictions: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do water restrictions rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino Municipal Water Department enforces year-round water waste rules and drought stages. Hosing hardscape is banned, irrigation is limited to set days, and AB 1572 phases out non-functional turf.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Prohibited practices | - | Hosing hardscape, runoff, and non-recirculating fountains banned |
| Watering window | - | Morning and evening only on assigned days |
| AB 1572 | - | Phasing out potable water on non-functional turf at commercial sites |
| MWELO | - | New landscapes need smart controllers, drip, and rain sensors |
| Penalties | - | Warning then escalating fines added to water bill |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
What days can I water my San Bernardino lawn?
Check your current SBMWD schedule; days are typically assigned by address and limited to early morning and evening to reduce evaporation.
Does AB 1572 apply to my front yard?
AB 1572 targets non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites, plus HOA common areas; single-family yards are not currently covered.
Can I hose off my driveway?
No. Spraying hardscape with potable water is prohibited year-round except for immediate health or safety reasons.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and San Bernardino 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