Water restrictions in San Mateo County, 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 County unincorporated areas receive 91% of water from SFPUC via BAWSCA member agencies. Cal Water and other local utilities serve different areas. Year-round state water waste prohibitions apply. Drought restrictions may impose watering limits.
San Mateo County's unincorporated areas are served by various water utilities, primarily via SFPUC's Hetch Hetchy system through BAWSCA member agencies including Cal Water. 91% of county water comes from SFPUC. During drought periods, BAWSCA member agencies have imposed mandatory restrictions including 2-day-per-week watering limits. State year-round prohibitions include: no runoff onto streets or sidewalks, no irrigation within 48 hours of rain, and no midday watering. Check with your specific water utility for current restriction levels.
Water waste: warning, then fines $100 to $500. Drought violations: escalating fines. Water district may impose surcharges.
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See how San Mateo County's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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