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California Statewide Rule

California Statewide Water Conservation and Drought Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across California (2026)

Key Facts

Authority
State Water Board
Statute
Water Code 1058.5
Max fine
$500 per day
Baseline rule
MWELO Gov Code 65591
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: California Water Code 10608

Summary

California's State Water Resources Control Board issues statewide drought emergency regulations and waste prohibitions that apply to every household, overriding more lenient local rules.

(a) This section applies to any emergency regulation adopted by the board for which the board makes both of the following findings: (1) The emergency regulation is adopted to prevent the waste, unreasonable use, unreasonable method of use, or unreasonable method of diversion, of water, to promote water recycling or water conservation, to require curtailment of diversions when water is not available under the diverter's priority of right, or in furtherance of any of the foregoing, to require reporting of diversion or use or the preparation of monitoring reports. (2) The emergency regulation is adopted in response to conditions which exist, or are threatened, in a critically dry year immediately preceded by two or more consecutive below normal, dry, or critically dry years or during a period for which the Governor has issued a proclamation of a state of emergency under the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code) based on drought conditions.

Source: California Water Code 10608View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Water Code section 1058.5, the State Water Resources Control Board may adopt emergency conservation regulations during declared drought. Permanent waste prohibitions ban hosing down driveways, irrigating during or 48 hours after measurable rain, and runoff onto sidewalks. Cities and water suppliers must enforce statewide minimums but may impose stricter rules. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) under Government Code 65591-65599 also sets baseline irrigation efficiency standards for new and renovated landscapes.

Violations & Penalties

Fines up to $500 per day per California Code of Regulations Title 23 section 879; suppliers may add surcharges or restrict service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my city ignore the state drought rules?
No. State emergency conservation regulations are floors that every supplier and resident must follow. Cities may adopt stricter rules but cannot weaken state standards.
Are runoff and hose nozzles regulated statewide?
Yes. State permanent prohibitions require shutoff nozzles on hoses, ban irrigation runoff to streets, and prohibit washing hard surfaces with potable water.

Sources

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