San Bernardino County, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Water use in San Bernardino County is regulated at multiple levels. The State Water Resources Control Board adopts emergency drought regulations that apply statewide, including bans on irrigation causing runoff onto sidewalks and streets, using potable water to wash hard surfaces, and watering ornamental turf on public street medians. Local water agencies such as the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, Mojave Water Agency, and Desert Water Agency adopt conservation ordinances with specific watering schedules (typically limiting outdoor watering to certain days and times, often before 9 AM and after 6 PM). Assembly Bill 1572 (2022) bans the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties in phases starting January 1, 2027 for state and local government, January 1, 2028 for CII sites, and January 1, 2029 for HOA common areas. Residential lawns are exempt from the non-functional turf ban. MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance) applies to new landscaping over 500 square feet, limiting turf to 25 percent of landscape area.