Water Restrictions: El Cerrito vs Martinez
How do water restrictions rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Martinez, CA?
Martinez has fewer restrictions than El Cerrito.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Permanent statewide water waste rules and water district schedules apply in unincorporated Contra Costa. EBMUD and Contra Costa Water District limit landscape irrigation to set days and hours, prohibit runoff and daytime watering, and can impose excessive-use penalties up to $2 per extra unit plus surcharges during droughts.
View full El Cerrito rules →Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) may impose mandatory water use restrictions during drought conditions, including limits on outdoor irrigation days and times, prohibitions on watering within 48 hours of rain, and bans on water runoff into streets. Current stage and restrictions are posted at ccwater.com. Violations may result in fines.
View full Martinez rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Martinez |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide bans | Runoff, post-rain watering, hosing hard surfaces | - |
| EBMUD drought schedule | 2 days/week during Stage 2; Excessive Use Penalty | - |
| CCWD schedule | 3 days/week odd-even, before 9am/after 6pm | - |
| Non-functional turf | CII irrigation banned statewide | - |
| Enforcement | Warnings, $50 to $500 fines, flow restrictors | - |
| Authority | - | Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) |
| Drought Restrictions | - | Tiered stages from voluntary to mandatory |
| Runoff | - | Prohibited — water must not enter street or gutter |
| Current Status | - | ccwater.com |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Yes, if you use a hose with a positive shutoff nozzle and there is no runoff. Using a commercial car wash that recycles water is preferred.
Does the drip irrigation schedule apply to food gardens?
Watering of edible food gardens is generally exempt from day-of-week restrictions if done efficiently (drip), but the no-runoff and no-daytime-watering rules still apply.
Martinez FAQ
What are the lawn watering restrictions in Martinez?
Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) may impose mandatory water use restrictions during drought conditions, including limits on outdoor irrigation days and times, prohibitions on watering within 48 hours of rain, and bans on water runoff into streets. Current stage and restrictions are posted at...
Are there drought watering rules in Martinez?
Authority: Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). Drought Restrictions: Tiered stages from voluntary to mandatory. Runoff: Prohibited — water must not enter street or gutter. Current Status: ccwater.com.
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