Water Restrictions: Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do water restrictions rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Palo Alto has fewer restrictions than Mountain View.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View enforces permanent water waste rules and follows state mandates. Outdoor watering is limited and runoff, hosing down pavement, and leaks are prohibited.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Palo Alto enforces permanent water waste rules and activates drought-stage restrictions set by Valley Water and the State Water Board. AB 1572 bans potable irrigation of non-functional commercial turf.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Runoff | Prohibited | - |
| Shutoff nozzle | Required | - |
| Post-rain rule | No irrigation 48 hours | - |
| Non-functional turf | Banned at CII sites | - |
| Drought day limits | Possible | - |
| Permanent rules | - | No runoff, shutoff nozzle required |
| Post-rain | - | No irrigation within 48 hours |
| AB 1572 | - | Bans non-functional turf irrigation |
| MWELO | - | Applies to new landscapes |
| Rebates | - | Valley Water lawn replacement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I water my lawn every day?
Permanent rules allow watering but not runoff and not within 48 hours of rain; drought declarations can limit days and times further.
Does AB 1572 affect my home lawn?
AB 1572 targets non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, not ordinary residential front and back yards.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I water my lawn every day?
Under normal conditions yes, but only outside 10 am to 6 pm and without runoff. Drought declarations can cut this to specified days.
Does AB 1572 apply to my front yard?
No. Residential landscapes are exempt, though the state encourages replacing decorative lawn with low-water plants.
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