Alameda, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

The City of Alameda does not run its own water utility for restrictions; potable water service comes from the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). EBMUD enforces year-round, permanent prohibitions on wasteful water use that apply to all customers, including Alameda residents. These include: runoff from irrigation onto sidewalks, driveways, streets, or other hardscapes; washing down sidewalks, driveways, streets, or other hardscapes (broom or air-blower required instead); using a hose not equipped with a shutoff nozzle to wash a vehicle; watering outdoors during or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall; irrigating lawn in street medians; broken or leaking irrigation equipment; and serving water at restaurants unless requested. During declared droughts EBMUD adds tighter rules, such as limiting outdoor landscape watering to two times per week. The City's code reinforces conservation through its Bay-Friendly and Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (AMC Section 30-58), whose stated purpose includes supporting EBMUD's conservation efforts, and through the Alameda Water Reuse Ordinance (AMC Section 30-57), which requires new development inside EBMUD-designated recycled-water areas to use EBMUD recycled water for irrigation. Statewide, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) can also impose emergency conservation rules. Residents report water waste and apply for lawn-conversion and irrigation rebates directly through EBMUD.