Berkeley, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Berkeley, CA, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- No watering
- 9am-6pm (year-round)
- Hose nozzle
- Shutoff required
- AB 1572
- No potable on non-functional turf
- Drought surcharge
- 25-50 percent
- Report waste
- EBMUD 1-866-403-2683
Summary
Berkeley follows East Bay MUD drought rules: no irrigation 9am-6pm, no runoff, hose must have shutoff nozzle. Drought surcharges and restrictions apply during declared drought stages.
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. Local agencies are required to report on implementation annually by January 31 of each year to DWR's Water Use Efficiency Branch. Final MWELO Regulations and Appendices effective starting January 2, 2025.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Berkeley is served by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), which enforces permanent water waste prohibitions under Regulation 14 and activates tiered drought stages in dry years. Year-round rules prohibit: irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., watering that causes runoff onto sidewalks or streets, washing vehicles without a shutoff nozzle, washing hardscape (sidewalks, driveways) except for sanitation, and serving water in restaurants unless requested. During Stage 2 or higher drought (declared most recently in 2022), landscape irrigation is limited to 2 days per week, new turf installation is banned, and non-essential uses incur drought surcharges of 25-50 percent. Berkeley additionally enforces AB 1572, which prohibits using potable water on non-functional turf at commercial, institutional, and industrial properties beginning 2027 (with phased compliance already underway). Violations reported to EBMUD at 1-866-403-2683 can result in warnings, then fines of 50-200 dollars, and ultimately flow restrictors. The city offers lawn conversion rebates and greywater permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still wash my car at home?
What is non-functional turf under AB 1572?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
How Berkeley compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle water restrictions.