Antioch, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

The City of Antioch operates its own water utility serving approximately 95,000 residents, with raw water sourced from the San Joaquin Delta (Contra Costa Canal via Contra Costa Water District wholesale contracts) and treated at the Antioch Water Treatment Plant. California State Water Resources Control Board permanent water-waste prohibitions apply in Antioch year-round regardless of drought status: (1) no outdoor irrigation that causes runoff onto sidewalks, driveways, or streets; (2) no washing driveways, sidewalks, or other hardscape with a hose; (3) no washing vehicles without a shutoff nozzle on the hose; (4) no irrigating ornamental landscaping within 48 hours of measurable rainfall; (5) no decorative water features unless water is recirculated; (6) no serving water in restaurants unless requested. During drought emergencies, the city implements its Water Shortage Contingency Plan adopted pursuant to Water Code Section 10632, with Stage 1-6 response levels tied to supply conditions. Typical Stage 2 and 3 restrictions include assigned outdoor watering days (odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday, even on Wednesday/Friday/Sunday), limits on minutes per station, and no watering between 9 AM and 6 PM. New and renovated landscapes over 500 square feet must comply with MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance) per CCR Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7. Violations of city water rules are enforced via warnings, fines ($50-$500), and potential flow restriction.