Water Restrictions: Petaluma vs Sonoma

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.

Are there always watering restrictions in Sonoma?

Yes. Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 13.10 sets year-round water waste rules — no runoff, no washing hardscape, hose nozzles required, and no watering within 48 hours of rainfall. Stricter day-of-week and time-of-day limits are added during Stage 2+ drought declarations.

What hours can I water my lawn in Sonoma during a drought?

During Stage 2 drought (last declared 2021–2022 and renewable by the Council and Sonoma Water), outdoor irrigation is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Watering is generally limited to 2–3 specific days per week on an odd/even schedule announced by VOMWD and the city.

Can I fill my swimming pool in Sonoma?

Yes during normal conditions, but pool filling is often restricted or prohibited during Stage 3 or 4 droughts. Pool covers may be required, and refilling more than 12 inches per fill-up can be banned. Check with VOMWD before draining and refilling a pool.

What is MWELO and does it apply to my Sonoma landscape?

California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) applies to any new or rehabilitated landscape of 500 sq ft or more that is associated with a building or planning permit. It caps turf, requires water budgets, smart irrigation controllers, and drip systems. Sonoma's Planning and Building Department enforces it.

What is the fine for water waste in Sonoma?

Sonoma typically issues a written warning on the first offense, with administrative fines of $50–$500 per subsequent occurrence under Sonoma Municipal Code §13.10. Chronic violators can have their water service restricted or terminated.