Statewide emergency water conservation regulations (2022)

The California Department of General Services posted signs around the state capitol building in Sacramento, California. The signs highlight the Save Our Water program’s initiative to limit outdoor water usage to conserve water during the extreme three-year drought. — The California Department of General Services posted signs around the state Capitol Building in Sacramento in July. The signs highlight the Save Our Water program’s initiative to limit outdoor water usage to conserve water during the extreme three-year drought.

Second Water Conservation Emergency Regulation (June)

On May 24, 2022, the State Water Board adopted a second statewide emergency water conservation regulation that bans using potable (drinkable) water on decorative or non-functional grass at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties – including areas of nonfunctional turf under homeowners’ association control. It went into effect on June 10, 2022. It also requires urban water suppliers to implement all demand-reduction actions under Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans. It will remain in effect for one year from the effective date, unless the Board modifies it, readopts it, or ends it before then.

Emergency Regulation Requirements (more in links below)

Commercial, industrial, and institutional decorative grass should not be watered*
Give all trees just what they need: avoid overwatering
Follow the local requirements of your water supplier
Urban water suppliers should implement all Level 2 demand reduction actions by June 10, 2022*

(* Note: Unless otherwise allowed in the regulation)

More information:

First Water Conservation Emergency Regulation (readopted December 2022)

On January 4, 2022, the State Water Board adopted its first emergency regulation of 2022 that prohibits certain wasteful water use practices statewide and encourages Californians to monitor their water use more closely while building habits to use water wisely. On January 18, 2022, the emergency regulation went into effect. It will remain in effect for one year from the effective date, unless the State Water Board modifies it, readopts it, or ends it before then.

Emergency Regulation Requirements (more in links below)

Turn off decorative water fountains
Turn off/pause your irrigation system when it’s raining and for two days after rain
Use an automatic shutoff nozzle on your water hose
Use a broom, not water, to clean sidewalks and driveways
Give trees just what they need: avoid overwatering

More information:

News release: State Water Board adopts emergency water use regulations to boost drought resilience

Learn more