Paramount, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Paramount, 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
- Stage 1 watering limit
- Three designated days per week
- November through March
- No more than two designated days per week
- Who designates the days
- Director of Public Works, after public notice
- Drip exemption
- No emitter above two gallons of water per hour
- Effective date
- Tenth day after the Council declares Stages 1 through 4
- Second violation (Stages 1-2)
- Fine not to exceed $100.00 within 12 months
Summary
In the City of Paramount, a declared Stage 1 Water Supply Shortage limits watering or irrigation of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water to three designated days per week. From November through March the cap drops to no more than two designated days per week. The Director of Public Works sets the days, and they cannot be implemented until publicly noticed.
B. Water Conservation Measures. The following water conservation requirements apply during a declared Stage 1 Water Supply Shortage: 1. Limits on Watering. Watering or irrigation of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water is limited to three designated days per week. During the months of November through March, watering or irrigation of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water is limited to no more than two designated days per week. This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation systems that exclusively use very low-flow drip type irrigation systems when no emitter produces more than two gallons of water per hour. This provision does not apply to use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device, or for very short periods for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system. The days per week designated for use of irrigation shall be determined by the Director of Public Works and shall not be implemented until publicly noticed.
Full Breakdown
Paramount Municipal Code § 13.04.520 is the first rung of a six-stage water shortage program in Chapter 13.04, Article 5. A Stage 1 condition exists when the City determines that drought or other supply conditions make a 10% consumer demand reduction necessary. Under § 13.04.580, the City Council declares Stages 1 through 4 by resolution at a public meeting, the City publishes the resolution once in a newspaper within five days, and the mandatory measures take effect on the tenth day after the declaration.
The watering limit applies to lawn, landscape and other vegetated area irrigated with potable water supplied by the City. The code does not fix which weekdays a property gets. The Director of Public Works designates them, and the designation is not implemented until it is publicly noticed. Three uses sit outside the limit: landscape irrigation systems that run exclusively on very low-flow drip with no emitter producing more than two gallons of water per hour, hand-held buckets or similar containers, and hand-held hoses fitted with a positive self-closing shut-off device. Very short periods spent adjusting or repairing an irrigation system are also exempt.
Section 13.04.510 removes recycled water, uses necessary to protect public health and safety or for essential government services, and commercial nurseries and growers from Article 5 altogether. Stage 1 also prohibits washing down sidewalks, driveways and other hard or paved surfaces except to alleviate safety or sanitary hazards. Later stages tighten the watering cap: Stage 3 limits watering to two days per week, and one day per week from November through March, and Stage 5 restricts watering to allotments set by the City.
Violations & Fines
A first Stage 1 or Stage 2 violation in the City of Paramount draws a courtesy door hanger and a copy of the article by mail. A second violation within 12 calendar months carries a fine not to exceed $100.00, a third $150.00, a fourth $200.00, and a fifth and later violation $500.00. The City can also install a flow restrictor of approximately one gallon per minute after at least 48 hours of written notice. Any violation of City ordinances can instead be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, up to 30 days in County Jail, a fine not exceeding $1,000.00, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days per week can I water in the City of Paramount under Stage 1?
Do hoses and drip systems count against the limit?
When do the limits start after the Council acts?
Can I get a waiver from the watering limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paramount
How Paramount compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Paramount to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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How other cities in Los Angeles County handle water restrictions.