Richmond, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Richmond's water utility is the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). EBMUD's permanent water-use rules sit in Section 29 of the District's Regulations Governing Water Service to Customers (Resolution 35405-24, effective July 1, 2024). Section 29(A)(1) declares the following potable-water uses prohibited at every Richmond service address: (a) outdoor irrigation that causes more than incidental runoff onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, or hardscapes; (b) outdoor irrigation during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; (c) landscape irrigation outside of newly constructed homes and buildings that is inconsistent with EBMUD Section 31 or other local ordinances and state regulations; (d) application of potable water to sidewalks and driveways or other hard surfaces in a way that results in excessive use and runoff; (e) washing a motor vehicle, boat, trailer or aircraft with a hose unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle; (f) use of potable water in an ornamental fountain or other decorative water feature unless the water is part of a recirculating system; (g) use of potable water for construction, street cleaning, soil compaction or dust control where a feasible alternative is available; and (h) irrigation of nonfunctional turf (ornamental lawns) at commercial, industrial and institutional properties (per AB 1572). Customers must also repair measurable leaks, and irrigation/plumbing with measurable leaks may not be turned back on until repaired. Separately, new construction and rehabilitated landscapes in Richmond must comply with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), codified in Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 2, Chapter 2.7 (Sections 490-495), which sets water-budget, irrigation efficiency, plant selection and soil management standards for projects over the state thresholds.