City of San Diego - Mandatory Water Use Restrictions

In response to continuing drought conditions statewide, the City has enacted its Drought Alert stage of mandatory water use restrictions, the second phase of citywide conservation. These restrictions are in place until further notice. The Drought Alert restrictions are in addition to permanent mandatory restrictions in place. Click here for more information.

Water Only 3 Assigned Days A Week
Water no more than 3 days per week on the following assigned days, which are determined by your address or type of dwelling.

NOTE: this 3-day-per-week schedule applies to all types of systems (standard sprinkler systems, as well as systems with water-efficient devices such as drip-irrigation, micro-irrigation and stream rotor sprinklers):

• Residences with odd-numbered addresses (301 Drought Drive): Water ONLY on Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays.
• Residences with even-numbered addresses (500 Conservation Circle): Water ONLY on Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays.
• Apartments, condominiums and businesses: Water ONLY on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.

Water at the Right Times
Time limits apply to standard spinkler systems.

NOTE: These time limits do NOT apply to landscape irrigation systems using water-efficient devices, including drip and micro-irrigation systems and stream rotor sprinklers.

• November 1 to May 31, water between 4 pm-10 am for ONLY 7 MINUTES when using a standard sprinkler system.
• June 1 to October 31, water between 6 pm-10 am for ONLY 10 MINUTES when using a standard sprinkler system.

Additional Drought Alert Restrictions

• Stop operation of ornamental fountains, except to the extent needed for maintenance purposes.
• Use a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle or timed sprinkler system to water landscaped areas.
• Irrigation is not permitted during a rain event.
• The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, airplanes and other types of transportation equipment is only allowed during the following times:
  
  
• Between 4 pm-10 am from November 1 to May 31.
• Between 6 pm-10 am from June 1 to October 31.
• NOTE: Mobile equipment washings are exempt from these regulations where the health, safety and welfare of the public are contingent upon frequent vehicle cleanings, such as garbage trucks and vehicles to transport food products, livestock and perishables.

• Washing is permitted at any time at a commercial car wash.
• Boats and boat engines are permitted to be washed down after use.
• Use recycled or non-potable water for construction puroposes when available
• Use of water from fire hydrants will be limited to firefighting, meter installation by the Public Utilities Department as part of its Fire Hydrant Meter Program, and related activities necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of San Diego.
• Construction operations receiving water from a fire hydrant or water truck will not use water beyond normal activities.
• Irrigation is permitted any day at any time as follows:
  
1. As required by a landscape permit.
2. For erosion control.
3. For establishment, repair or renovation of public use fields for schools and parks.

For landscape establishment following a disaster.