Torrance, CA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Torrance, 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
- MWELO
- Applies to new landscapes >500 sq ft
- Watering Days
- Per water district schedule
- Commercial Turf
- AB 1572 bans potable irrigation
- Enforcement
- Torrance Water Division
Summary
Water restrictions follow MWELO standards and local water district rules. Torrance Water Division enforces watering schedules during drought conditions.
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. The purpose of water efficient landscape ordinances is to not only increase water efficiency but to improve environmental conditions in the built environment.
Full Breakdown
The City of Torrance has adopted the State 2015 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) to maximize water efficiency. MWELO applies to any landscaping project greater than 500 square feet that requires a permit, plan check, or design review. Watering or irrigating lawns with potable water is prohibited between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, except by hand-held bucket or hose with a positive self-closing shut-off nozzle for very short periods. No watering is allowed in a manner that causes excessive runoff from the property. The ordinance promotes soil health, stormwater management, and erosion control in landscaping.
Violations & Fines
Watering during prohibited hours or causing excessive runoff violates the Torrance Conservation Ordinance. Code enforcement may issue citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the lawn watering restrictions in Torrance?
Are there drought watering rules in Torrance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Torrance
How Torrance compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Torrance 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.