Some customers wonder why it’s okay to hand-water with a hose and shut-off nozzle on any day, but not okay to water with a sprinkler system set to only water landscaped areas for a specific amount of time?

Hand-watering with a hose and shut-off nozzle allows for more targeted watering. While a sprinkler system may only water for a specific amount of time, it may cover a larger area that has portions that do not need to be watered and may water longer than needed. Hand-watering conserves water because users are able to target only what needs irrigation and stop when enough water has been applied.

Cal Water recommends consulting the user guide provided by the manufacturer to learn how to adjust the programming of your specific controller.

Customers with drip or micro-spray systems may water any day utilizing those methods. However, the use of rainwater collection barrels is only exempt for hand watering. We still recommend you water in the evening or early morning to reduce evaporation.

Currently, there are no restrictions on filling pools. However, we recommend you maintain the proper chemical levels and adequate circulation time to avoid having to drain and refill your pool. Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation. See the How can I save water in my pool? page for additional tips.

You may wash your car at home as long as you use a shutoff nozzle on your hose. To save more water, use a bucket with soap and water and only rinse with the hose. Alternatively, you can take your car to a car wash that utilizes recycled water.

Runoff is when water is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape onto other areas, such as pavement or gutters.

In addition to restrictions on lawn watering, there are several other restrictions, the most common of which include:

• Water cannot be used to clean driveways or sidewalks.
• Water cannot run off onto an adjacent property.
• A shut-off nozzle must be used when washing a vehicle with a hose.
• Outdoor water structures, such as a fountain, can only operate with internal water-recirculating capabilities.
• Non-functional turf (lawns not used for recreation) may not be watered at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, unless recycled water is used.

There are no restrictions on hand watering, drip irrigation systems, or micro-spray irrigation.

While there are no restrictions to indoor water use, we strongly encourage customers to conserve water in a number of other ways, such as taking shorter showers, installing water-efficient shower heads and faucet aerators, and using washing machines and dishwashers with full loads only. For more conservation tips, see the Conservation FAQs page.