Shasta County, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Shasta 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
- County-wide watering schedule
- None; set by water providers
- Statewide waste rules
- SWRCB permanent prohibitions apply
- New-landscape standard
- State MWELO (23 CCR 490 et seq.)
- Drought limits
- By district / declared drought stage
- Private wells
- Subject to waste rules + curtailment
Summary
Outdoor watering in unincorporated Shasta County is governed mainly by statewide rules and by individual water providers, not a single county ordinance. California's permanent prohibitions on wasteful water use (SWRCB) and the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance apply, and local districts set their own drought stages and irrigation schedules.
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. New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The MWELO establishes standards for new and retrofitted landscapes and encourages the use of efficient irrigation systems, graywater usage, onsite storm water capture, and other water efficiency measures.
Full Breakdown
Shasta County does not run a single county-wide outdoor watering schedule for all residents; restrictions come from layered authorities. The State Water Resources Control Board has adopted permanent statewide prohibitions on wasteful outdoor water use, such as applying potable water in a way that causes runoff onto pavement, hosing down sidewalks and driveways, watering during and shortly after measurable rain, and using a hose without a shutoff nozzle. These apply everywhere in California, including unincorporated Shasta County. ) sets irrigation efficiency and water-budget limits. Day-to-day watering-day and time limits are set by each retail water supplier (for example local community services and water districts) under their own conservation and drought-response programs, which tighten during declared droughts.
Residents on private wells are not metered by a provider but remain subject to the statewide waste prohibitions and any emergency curtailment orders. Because rules vary by provider and drought stage, property owners should confirm current watering days and any drought surcharges with their specific water district.
Violations & Fines
Violations of statewide waste prohibitions can carry administrative penalties under SWRCB authority, and individual water suppliers may issue warnings, fines, flow restrictors, or service penalties under their own conservation ordinances and tariffs. Enforcement of day-to-day watering limits is by the water provider, not the County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What days can I water in unincorporated Shasta County?
Do water restrictions apply if I'm on a private well?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shasta County
How Shasta County compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Shasta County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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