Water Restrictions: Fontana vs Rialto
How do water restrictions rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana Water Company bans irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and any runoff onto streets. AB 1572 ends non-functional turf irrigation at commercial and HOA sites by 2027.
View full Fontana 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 | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| No-water window | No irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. | - |
| Runoff ban | Statewide - no water running onto sidewalks or streets | - |
| Hose nozzle | Shutoff nozzle required on all hand-held hoses | - |
| AB 1572 | Non-functional turf irrigation ban for HOA/commercial by 2027 | - |
| Penalties | Warning, 50 dollars, 100 dollars, then flow restrictor | - |
| 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.
Fontana FAQ
When can I water my Fontana yard?
Outside the 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. window, without runoff onto pavement, and on your assigned watering days during declared drought stages.
Does AB 1572 apply to my home lawn?
Not yet. AB 1572 phases in a ban on non-functional turf irrigation at commercial, institutional, and HOA common areas, not individual homes.
What happens if a neighbor reports me for water waste?
Fontana Water Company typically issues a written warning first, then 50 and 100 dollar fines; chronic violators can have flow restrictors installed.
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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