Richmond, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Richmond is served by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), one of California's largest water wholesalers, drawing primarily from the Mokelumne River. EBMUD Regulation No. 25 (Water Shortage and Drought Management Program) and State Water Resources Control Board Resolution 2023-0022 establish permanent and stage-based water restrictions. Permanent statewide rules include: (1) no irrigation during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; (2) no irrigation runoff onto sidewalks, driveways, or streets; (3) no hose-washing of driveways, sidewalks, or other hard surfaces except for health/safety; (4) restaurants may only serve water on request; (5) hotels must offer linen/towel-reuse options; (6) hoses used for vehicle washing must have automatic shut-off nozzles; (7) decorative fountains must recirculate. During EBMUD-declared drought stages, additional restrictions apply including watering-day schedules (typically odd/even address assignment), limited watering hours (before 9 AM or after 6 PM), and drought surcharges on water bills. EBMUD enforces through a tiered process: warning letter, $25 citation, escalating to $50, $100, and $200 for repeat violations. Customers with water use exceeding drought allocations may face excessive-use penalty charges. Under Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) adopted statewide, new or rehabilitated landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet water-budget and efficient-irrigation requirements. EBMUD offers free water-audit services and turf-rebate programs to help Richmond residents reduce outdoor water use. The City of Richmond has also adopted drought-tolerant landscape requirements for new developments.