Murrieta, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Murrieta does not operate its own municipal water utility; residents fall under one of three wholesale/retail districts based on address. Rancho California Water District (RCWD) covers central and southern Murrieta; Western Municipal Water District (WMWD) covers northern and western portions; and Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) covers eastern areas. All three implement State Water Resources Control Board permanent prohibitions adopted in 2022 and updated under the Making Conservation a California Way of Life framework (Water Code section 10609 et seq.). Year-round prohibitions include: no irrigation runoff onto sidewalks or streets, no watering within 48 hours of measurable rainfall, no hose washing of driveways, and no potable water use in non-recirculating decorative fountains. Outdoor watering is typically limited to specified days by street address (for example, odd/even schedules) and time windows before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. During declared drought stages, watering days are reduced further. Customers must repair leaks within 72 hours of notice. Violations can result in written warnings, followed by surcharges of 50 to 500 dollars per occurrence. SB 1572 and AB 1572 phase out potable water for non-functional turf at commercial and HOA common areas starting 2027.