Water Restrictions: El Cerrito vs Pittsburg
How do water restrictions rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Pittsburg, CA?
El Cerrito and Pittsburg have similar restriction levels.
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 →Pittsburg, CA
Contra Costa County
Pittsburg water customers are served by Contra Costa Water District and the city's municipal system. Permanent statewide conservation rules prohibit runoff, watering within 48 hours of rain, hosing hard surfaces, and non-recirculating fountains. Additional drought-stage restrictions apply when declared by the State Water Board or CCWD.
View full Pittsburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Pittsburg |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| - | - |
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.
Pittsburg FAQ
Can I water my lawn every day?
Generally no. CCWD typically limits watering to assigned days during drought stages, and statewide rules prohibit watering within 48 hours of rain or producing runoff onto hard surfaces.
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Only with a hose that has a positive shut-off nozzle, and without creating runoff onto the sidewalk or street. Using a commercial car wash that recycles water is more drought-friendly.
What is MWELO?
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance sets water budgets for new or rehabilitated landscaping over 500 sq ft, requiring efficient irrigation, drought-tolerant plants, and mulch.
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