Riverside, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

RPU is Riverside's municipal water utility; its conservation rules are codified at Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) Title 14, Chapter 14.22 — Water Conservation, including §14.22.060 (Stage Forecast for Evaporation/Wasteful Use). RPU's published outdoor watering guidance — referenced on the Mayor's Office 'Riverside RULES — Water' page and the 'Three Ways to Be Waterwise & Save' press release — directs customers to: (1) water between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. only (avoiding the heat of the day); (2) water no more than three days per week in summer, four when it is exceptionally hot, and two days per week in winter; (3) turn sprinkler timers OFF when it rains and wait at least 48 hours before resuming. RPU's 'Don't Doubt the Drought' page confirms outdoor watering during and within 48 hours of measurable rainfall is prohibited. Riverside has activated its Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) Level 2 — the same trigger used to comply with the State Water Resources Control Board's 'Making Conservation a California Way of Life' regulation — targeting a 10-20% reduction in potable demand. Statewide, the State Water Board's permanent prohibitions on water waste (CCR Title 23 §§ 980-981) also apply: no runoff onto sidewalks/streets, no washing hardscapes with potable water, no non-recirculating decorative fountains, and shutoff nozzles required on hoses.