Rancho Cucamonga, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Rancho Cucamonga is served primarily by the Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD) with small portions served by West Valley Water District. CVWD operates under a tiered conservation framework that aligns with State Water Resources Control Board regulations. Under typical conditions, CVWD limits outdoor irrigation to three days per week on an assigned schedule (odd and even addresses), with no watering between 9 AM and 6 PM to reduce evaporation. During drought declarations, watering is reduced to two days per week or less. Leaks and broken sprinklers must be repaired within 48 hours. State law prohibits hosing down driveways and sidewalks with potable water and requires shutoff nozzles on all hoses. California AB 1572 (effective January 2027 with phased compliance starting in 2024) prohibits irrigating non-functional turf (decorative grass on commercial, industrial, and HOA common areas) with potable water. Homeowner front and back yards are exempt but commercial developments and HOA common areas in Terra Vista, Victoria Gardens, and Etiwanda HOAs are directly affected. New landscape installations over 500 square feet trigger the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) requiring a plan, MAWA calculation, and drip-irrigation design. CVWD also offers rebates for turf replacement, smart controllers, and high-efficiency sprinklers.