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.
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.
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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
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