Santa Clarita, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Santa Clarita, 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
- Provider
- SCV Water Agency
- Watering
- Day/time restrictions apply
- Runoff
- Prohibited onto sidewalks/streets
- New Landscaping
- MWELO water budget required
- State Law
- CA water conservation mandates
Summary
Santa Clarita follows California's statewide water conservation mandates and local water agency restrictions. Outdoor watering is subject to day-of-week and time-of-day limits. The city has adopted California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. ... New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the 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. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. ... Local agencies are required to report on implementation annually by January 31 of each year to DWR's Water Use Efficiency Branch.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Santa Clarita is served by Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water). Water restrictions follow state mandates and local drought conditions. Watering is typically limited to specific days per week and prohibited during certain hours (generally 9 AM to 5 PM) to reduce evaporation. New landscaping must comply with MWELO water budget requirements. Runoff from irrigation onto sidewalks and streets is prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Water waste violations result in warnings, then fines. During drought conditions, penalties are enhanced. Repeat offenders may face water service restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I water my lawn in Santa Clarita?
What days can I water my lawn in Santa Clarita?
Can I hand-water my garden during midday in Santa Clarita?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clarita
How Santa Clarita compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clarita to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle water restrictions.