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Ventura County, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Water restrictions in Ventura County, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.

Verified 1 month ago|Source: CA Water Conservation (AB 1668/SB 606) →

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Key Facts

Runoff Prohibited: No irrigation runoff onto pavement
Post-Rain Restriction: No watering within 48 hours of rain
Hose Requirements: Shut-off nozzle required

City-specific rules exist: Camarillo, Santa Paula, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Fillmore, Port Hueneme, Ojai, Simi Valley, and Oxnard have their own water restrictions rules that differ from Ventura County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Water use in unincorporated Ventura County is regulated by the county and local water districts consistent with California's permanent water conservation framework under AB 1668 and SB 606. Outdoor irrigation is restricted to specific days and times, with prohibitions on water waste.

Full Breakdown

Ventura County and its multiple water districts enforce water conservation measures in unincorporated areas. Under the state's permanent water waste prohibitions, hosing driveways and sidewalks is banned, irrigation runoff onto pavement is prohibited, and watering within 48 hours of measurable rainfall is not permitted. Local water purveyors including Casitas Municipal Water District, United Water Conservation District, and Ventura County Waterworks Districts impose additional restrictions during drought conditions, which may include limiting outdoor irrigation to specific days per week. The county's semi-arid Mediterranean climate and reliance on local groundwater basins make water conservation a persistent priority. Landscape irrigation should use efficient systems such as drip irrigation, smart controllers, and low-flow sprinkler heads.

Violations & Fines

Water waste violations are enforced by local water districts. First offense: written warning. Second offense: $100-$250 fine. Third offense: $250-$500. Continued violations: flow restrictor installation or service disconnection. The State Water Board can impose penalties up to $500 per day for ongoing violations of statewide water waste prohibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the permanent water restrictions in Ventura County?

California's permanent restrictions prohibit hosing driveways, irrigating within 48 hours of rain, allowing irrigation runoff, and using hoses without shut-off nozzles. Local water districts may impose additional day-of-week watering schedules during drought conditions.

Which water district serves my area?

Unincorporated Ventura County is served by multiple districts including Casitas MWD, United Water Conservation District, and various county waterworks districts. Your water bill identifies your provider. Contact the county at (805) 654-2466 for assistance.

Can I be fined for overwatering my lawn?

Yes. Water waste including irrigation runoff is subject to progressive enforcement: warning, then fines of $100-$500, and potentially flow restrictors or service disconnection for continued violations.

How does Ventura County compare?

See how Ventura County's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.

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Ventura County, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Cal. Code Regs. tit. 23, § 490 et seq. (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance)

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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