Water restrictions in San Mateo, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
San Mateo's water is provided by Cal Water (San Mateo District). Water conservation ordinances (SMMC Ch. 23.72) apply to landscaping. Year-round prohibitions include runoff, watering during/after rain, and midday irrigation.
City of San Mateo water is supplied by California Water Service (Cal Water). SMMC Chapter 23.72 (Water Conservation in Landscaping) regulates irrigation and water use in new and renovated landscapes. Year-round state-mandated restrictions include: no irrigation causing runoff onto streets or sidewalks, no irrigation within 48 hours of measurable rain, and no irrigation between 10 AM and 5 PM during summer. Swimming pools are classified as high-water-use features under the landscaping ordinance. Cal Water may impose additional restrictions during drought conditions. Check calwater.com for current San Mateo District restrictions.
Water waste: warning, then fines $100 to $500. Drought violations: escalating fines. Water district may impose surcharges.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Mateo County.
See how other cities in San Mateo County handle water restrictions.
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