Santa Cruz, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Santa Cruz County is one of the most water-stressed counties in California, served by Soquel Creek Water District (in critical overdraft), San Lorenzo Valley Water District, Central Water District, Scotts Valley Water District, and the City of Santa Cruz Water Department. SCCC Chapter 7.69 (Water Conservation) imposes baseline rules countywide for use of water in unincorporated areas: (1) irrigation of turf, landscape, or other vegetated area between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. is prohibited unless via drip irrigation or hand watering with a quick-acting positive shut-off nozzle; (2) irrigation of turf or ornamental landscape is limited to no more than two days per week (with brief windows allowed for system inspection/repair); (3) automatic irrigation systems are capped at 15 minutes per station per assigned day; (4) potable water cannot be applied to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall. New landscapes 500+ sq ft must meet the County Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO, derived from the State Model Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance). Individual water districts may impose stricter Stage 3/4 drought restrictions on top.