East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) sets year-round irrigation rules for Oakland customers, prohibiting daytime sprinkler use, runoff onto pavement, and tightening to two-day-per-week schedules during declared drought stages.
Oakland's water purveyor is EBMUD, not the city. Permanent water-conservation rules under EBMUD Regulation No. 14 prohibit irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., overspray runoff onto sidewalks or streets, hosing down hard surfaces (except for health and safety), and using non-recirculating fountains. During Stage 2 or higher drought emergencies, EBMUD may limit outdoor watering to two days per week, ban new turf, and impose drought surcharges or excessive-use penalties. Customers receive warnings before fines.
First violation typically a written warning; subsequent fines up to 25 dollars per occurrence under permanent rules; drought-stage excessive-use surcharges can add hundreds per billing cycle for high-use households.
Oakland, CA
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Oakland, CA
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Oakland, CA
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