Water Restrictions: Petaluma vs Santa Rosa
How do water restrictions rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Santa Rosa, CA?
Petaluma and Santa Rosa have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma County's water supply comes primarily from the Russian River system managed by Sonoma Water (Sonoma County Water Agency), which serves most cities and special districts in the county. Unincorporated areas are served by smaller mutual water companies, private wells, and county service areas. Sonoma County Code Chapter 25B requires private wells to meet permit and metering standards, and the county Board of Supervisors and Sonoma Water issue coordinated drought-stage declarations that trigger outdoor watering bans, day-of-week schedules, and well-pumping restrictions. The state's MWELO (Cal. Code Regs. Title 23, §490) applies to landscape projects of 500 sq ft or more in unincorporated Sonoma County.
View full Petaluma rules →Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Santa Rosa enforces water conservation regulations including restrictions on outdoor watering days and times. The city is served by Sonoma Water and follows state drought regulations.
View full Santa Rosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Supplier | Sonoma Water (Russian River) | - |
| Well Permits | Sonoma County Code Ch. 25B | - |
| SGMA Basins | Petaluma, Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain | - |
| Watering Hours (Stage 2) | Banned 9 a.m.–7 p.m. | - |
| MWELO Threshold | 500 sq ft new/rehab | - |
| Permit Office | Permit Sonoma | - |
| Watering | - | Restricted days and hours |
| Runoff | - | Prohibited onto streets/sidewalks |
| New Landscaping | - | Must comply with MWELO |
| Incentives | - | Lawn conversion rebates available |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Are there water restrictions in Sonoma County right now?
Permanent water-waste rules (no runoff, no hardscape washing, hose nozzles required) apply at all times under retail-provider ordinances. Stricter day-of-week and time-of-day restrictions apply during Board of Supervisors and Sonoma Water drought-stage declarations. Check Sonoma Water's drought page and your local water provider for current stage.
Do I need a permit to drill a well in unincorporated Sonoma County?
Yes. Sonoma County Code Chapter 25B requires a well permit from Permit Sonoma for any new well, deepening, or destruction. Wells in the Petaluma Valley, Sonoma Valley, or Santa Rosa Plain groundwater basins also fall under SGMA-adopted Groundwater Sustainability Plans, which may require metering and pumping reports.
Can I water my lawn during a Sonoma County drought?
Under Stage 2 restrictions, outdoor irrigation is limited to 2–3 specific days per week and is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Watering with drip irrigation or hand-held hose with shutoff nozzle is generally allowed within those windows. Stage 3+ restrictions can tighten further.
Does MWELO apply to my Sonoma County landscaping project?
Yes if your new or rehabilitated landscape is 500 sq ft or more and tied to a building or planning permit. MWELO (Cal. Code Regs. Title 23, §490) caps turf, requires water budgets, smart irrigation controllers, and pressure-regulated drip. Permit Sonoma enforces it through the building permit process.
Who do I report a water waster to in Sonoma County?
Report to your local water provider — Santa Rosa Water, City of Petaluma Water Resources, City of Sonoma, Valley of the Moon Water District, North Marin Water District, or your CSA. For unincorporated residents on private wells, Permit Sonoma handles well permit violations.
Santa Rosa FAQ
When can I water my lawn in Santa Rosa?
Outdoor watering is restricted to certain days and times. Check the city's current water conservation rules as they vary by drought conditions.
Are there rebates for removing my lawn?
Yes. Santa Rosa offers rebates for converting grass lawns to drought-tolerant landscaping under its water conservation program.
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