San Joaquin County, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in San Joaquin County, 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 irrigation
- 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Coverage
- County Water Districts only
- Exempt
- Drip/mist irrigation
- Repeat-violation fee
- $200 flow restrictor
Summary
San Joaquin County bans outdoor irrigation between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone served by a County Water District, with drip and mist systems exempted.
It shall at all times be unlawful for any person within the boundaries of any Water District to use water for any of the following: (a) For exterior landscape, garden, or pasture irrigation including, but not limited to, public, private and commercial locations as follows: (1) Irrigation shall be prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Development Title: Supplement 3 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
County Code §5-3402(a)(1) makes it unlawful to irrigate landscaping, gardens or pasture between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. anywhere within a County Water District's boundaries. Drip and mist irrigation systems are exempt, and the Public Works Director may approve alternate water-conservation plans for users who cannot reasonably comply with the schedule. The rule applies only within unincorporated water districts under Board of Supervisors control. Stockton, Lodi, Tracy, Manteca, Ripon, Escalon and Lathrop each set their own local rules.
Violations & Fines
Violation triggers a written notice; repeat offenses bring a $200 flow-restrictor installation fee or water-service disconnection under §5-3404, plus infraction penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water my lawn at noon in unincorporated San Joaquin County?
Does this rule apply throughout the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Joaquin County
How San Joaquin County compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare San Joaquin County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.