Riverside, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Riverside, 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
- Baseline runoff ban
- Always in effect (§ 14.22.010)
- Stage One window
- 6:00 p.m.-10:00 a.m., voluntary
- Stage Two frequency
- Max 3x/week, mandatory
- Stage Four schedule
- Odd addresses Sat., even Sun., 8pm-8am
- Stage set by
- City Council resolution
- Enforcement
- Admin citation, Ch. 1.17, after 1 courtesy notice
Summary
Riverside Public Utilities runs a five-stage Water Conservation Program under RMC Chapter 14.22 that ratchets up irrigation-day and watering-hour limits as supply tightens. Some baseline rules, like a ban on runoff onto sidewalks and watering right after rain, apply at all times, regardless of which stage is active.
B.No person shall waste water or use it unreasonably. ... each of the following actions is prohibited as an unreasonable use of water ...:1.The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures;3.The application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks;5.The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall. ... [§14.22.060.B.3] Non-agricultural irrigation shall be limited to supporting minimal survival of trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs may be irrigated, only during the following designated hours and designated days:a.Properties with odd number street addresses, parks, and public right-of-ways may irrigate only on Saturdays between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.b.Properties with even number street addresses may irrigate only on Sundays between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.c.Irrigation is prohibited on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and on any day of the week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
020 creates five escalating stages set by City Council resolution. 040) makes that window mandatory, caps irrigation at three times a week, and gives customers 72 hours to fix leaks or misaligned sprinklers after City notice. 050) narrows watering to twice weekly from November through March. ," even addresses "only on Sundays" in the same window, with lawn and turf watering banned outright, pool filling prohibited, and car washing barred except at a recycled-water commercial car wash. 070) is a full water shortage emergency that halts new construction meters and building permits for non-conserving projects. 080).
Violations & Fines
A first violation of the water conservation rules draws a courtesy notice requesting voluntary correction; continued or repeat violations bring an administrative citation under Chapter 1.17 per § 14.22.080(A). Meter tampering or unauthorized water use is punished separately and more severely under Chapter 14.23, with fines starting at $130 for a first offense and rising to $1,300 for a third.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there permanent watering restrictions in Riverside, or only during droughts?
What days can I water my lawn under Stage Two?
What happens to lawn watering under the most severe stages?
Who decides which conservation stage is currently in effect?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
How Riverside compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle water restrictions.