Santa Clara, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Runoff rule
- No irrigation runoff to streets
- Rain lockout
- No watering within 48 hr of rain
- AB 1572
- Non-functional turf phase out 2027
- MWELO
- New landscapes must comply
- Rebates
- Valley Water turf and irrigation
Summary
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.
California's Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 2006 (AB 1881) requires local agencies to adopt the updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. ... Local agencies are required to report on implementation annually by January 31 of each year to DWR's Water Use Efficiency Branch using the WUEdata Portal.
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AB 1572 affect my front lawn?
What are the current watering days?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
How Santa Clara compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle water restrictions.