Ojai, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Ojai, 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
- Water Provider
- Casitas Municipal Water District
- No Irrigation
- 10 AM-5 PM prohibited
- Runoff
- Water waste prohibited year-round
- New Landscaping
- Must meet MWELO standards
- Conservation Stages
- 4 stages based on Lake Casitas level
Summary
Ojai is served by Casitas Municipal Water District, which enforces tiered water conservation measures. Outdoor irrigation is limited to specific days and times. Water waste (runoff to gutters, irrigating during rain) is prohibited year-round.
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are influenced by local climate. To increase water efficiency and better use a valuable resource, rainwater and stormwater collection and graywater and recycled water can replace or augment potable water use in landscapes. New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) .
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Casitas Municipal Water District supplies Ojai and implements conservation measures based on Lake Casitas levels. Stage 1: voluntary 20% reduction. Stage 2: mandatory 2-day watering schedule. Stage 3: 1-day watering. Stage 4: essential use only. Year-round prohibitions include: watering during rain, allowing runoff to gutters, washing driveways with a hose, and using non-recirculating decorative fountains. Irrigation is prohibited between 10 AM and 5 PM. New landscaping must meet the California MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance). Ojai's Mediterranean climate and periodic drought make conservation critical.
Violations & Fines
Water waste: written warning, then fines of $100-$500. Stage violations: flow restrictor installation and potential service disconnection. Repeat violations: surcharges up to 4x normal rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I water my lawn in Ojai?
What is water waste?
Are there rebates for removing my lawn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ojai
How Ojai compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Ojai to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle water restrictions.