Water restrictions in Santa Clara, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Santa Clara Water and Sewer Utilities enforces year-round outdoor watering rules under Valley Water guidance. AB 1572 also phases out potable water on non-functional turf.
Santa Clara receives supply from the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) and operates its own municipal water utility. Year-round conservation measures include no watering within 48 hours of rain, no runoff onto sidewalks or streets, and no hose washing of hard surfaces except for health or safety. During declared droughts the city may restrict outdoor irrigation to specific days and times. California AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties beginning January 2027, with earlier compliance for state and local government sites. New and significantly renovated landscapes must also meet the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Rebates for turf removal and efficient irrigation are available through Valley Water.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Santa Clara, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle water restrictions.
See how Santa Clara's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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