Water Restrictions: Hesperia vs Ontario
How do water restrictions rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Ontario, CA?
Hesperia and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code §14.04.170 (Water Conservation Emergency Plan) is currently in Stage 2, enacted by joint Hesperia City Council/Hesperia Water District Resolutions 2022-46 and 2022-10. Irrigation of non-functional turf is prohibited at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. Parks, golf courses, and schools may only irrigate between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.; all runoff is prohibited.
View full Hesperia rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario's Water Shortage Contingency Plan limits outdoor watering to assigned days and cool hours. AB 1572 bans potable water on non-functional turf at commercial and HOA sites starting January 2027.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Current Stage | Stage 2 (active since 2022) | - |
| Code Section | HMC §14.04.170 | - |
| Park/School Hours | 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. only | - |
| Runoff | Prohibited | - |
| Non-functional Turf | Banned at CII properties | - |
| Hardscape Washing | Prohibited (health/safety exceptions) | - |
| State Floor | MWELO — CCR Title 23 §§490-495 | - |
| Authority | - | Ontario WSCP and CA Water Code |
| Overspray | - | Prohibited at all times |
| Drought watering | - | Assigned days, early or late |
| AB 1572 | - | Bans non-functional turf irrigation |
| AB 1572 start | - | January 1, 2027 (commercial) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
When can I water my lawn in Hesperia?
Under HMC §14.04.170 Stage 2, watering is allowed but cannot cause runoff. Parks, schools, and golf courses are limited to 10 p.m.–5 a.m. Residential restrictions are less specific but waste is prohibited. Check with Hesperia Water District for the current stage.
Can I wash my driveway in Hesperia?
No. HMC §14.04.170 prohibits using district water to wash down hard surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots except where specifically permitted for public health and safety reasons.
Ontario FAQ
What days can I water my Ontario lawn?
During drought stages the city assigns watering days, typically limiting homes to two or three days per week and only before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to prevent evaporation.
Does AB 1572 force me to rip out my home lawn?
No. AB 1572 applies to non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, institutional, and HOA common areas. Single-family front and back lawns are exempt from the state ban.
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