The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission limits outdoor irrigation to between 8 PM and 10 AM, prohibits runoff onto pavement, and tightens rules during state-declared drought emergencies through its Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
SFPUC's Water Shortage Contingency Plan, adopted under California Water Code 10632, sets baseline outdoor watering rules even in normal conditions: irrigation only between 8 PM and 10 AM, no runoff onto sidewalks or streets, and no hosing down hard surfaces except for health and safety. Stage 1-4 drought triggers tighten the rules to two days per week, then one day, then a full ban on lawn irrigation. Customers using city water must also comply with state-mandated efficiency standards and may face surcharges if they exceed 5 percent above their drought allocation.
Warnings on first offense, then $100 fines escalating to $500 for repeat or stage-3 violations. Excess use surcharges multiply the per-unit water rate.
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See how San Francisco's lawn watering restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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