Updated February 2026

Summary:

In 2026, California will continue to restrict water use in an effort to conserve water. Earlier emergency orders to address drought conditions expired between 2023 and 2024, but they have mostly been replaced by permanent ordinances and other guidelines at the local or state level. The SWRCB limits how people can use potable water and prevents HOAs from fining people that comply with restrictions. Local rules limit watering lawns to a specific time or day of the week.

What You'll Learn	How California responds to drought conditions Which water restrictions are still in effect in 2026 State and local Bay Area water restrictions How to reduce water waste at home
Next Steps	Schedule a plumbing inspection Consider upgrading to high-efficiency appliances Call Caccia Home Services to get help reducing your water use

California's 2026 Water Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Staying on top of California's changing water rules has never been more important for Bay Area homeowners. Many of the short-term emergency drought orders that were originally put into place a few years ago have since been replaced by more permanent ordinances for local laws.

Below, you'll learn how the restrictions have changed over the past few years, what the guidelines now say you can and can't do in the Bay Area, and where you can find the most up-to-date information. Have specific questions about water waste or efficiency upgrades? Just send us a message.

A Timeline of California's Water Restrictions

The water crisis here in California definitely didn't happen overnight. Initiatives to conserve more water have been ramping up for decades in response to climate change, but measures that directly affected Bay Area homeowners and businesses started increasing in early 2018.

2018: Water Conservation Efforts Begin

California passed Assembly Bills (AB) 1668 and SB 606, which established a more permanent framework for water conservation in response to increasingly dry conditions. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) began to create long-term water-use targets.

2020–2021: The Drought Begins

Reservoir levels in California became critically low after California experienced the second driest two-year period on record since the 1970s. Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency and urged Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by at least 15%.

Early 2022: Executive Order N-7-22

Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-7-22 into action as the drought continued. The order directed the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to create emergency rules mandating that suppliers limit how their customers used water.

May-June 2022: Mandatory Regulations Take Effect

The SWRCB's new guidelines temporarily restricted how often people could use potable water to water lawns and other decorative landscaping features at businesses. Penalties of up to $500 per day were intended to discourage people from violating the rules.

October 2023: Governor Newsom Signs AB 1572

The state legislature and Governor Newsom passed AB 1572 into action, replacing temporary restrictions with more permanent measures. AB 1572 reinforced permanent water-waste prohibitions and expanded enforcement authority, even as drought orders were phased out.

July 3, 2024: the SWRCB Adopts New Regulations

The SWRCB officially adopted stricter guidelines that further limited water use in the state. The new rules, called "Making Conservation a California Way of Life," set water budgets for providers based on factors like climate, land use, and income levels.

January 1, 2025: Sweeping Regulations Take Effect

The SWRCB's 2024 regulations officially took effect. Water suppliers began to report their actual water use against the newly assigned budgets, but the state opted not to enforce them or issue fines until 2027 so suppliers had time to adjust their operations.

What You Need to Focus on in 2026

The biggest takeaway for 2026 is just keeping in mind that California is moving away from temporary drought emergencies and toward permanent water conservation standards. For homeowners and businesses in the Bay Area, these are the ones that matter most.

1. Year-Round Statewide Rules

Guidelines like these apply to everyone in California, regardless of whether drought conditions improve or conditions change. 

• HOAs can't fine homeowners for reducing watering or complying with water-use restrictions.
• No hosing down sidewalks or driveways except for health and safety reasons.
• Irrigation runoff must not run into gutters or storm drains.
• Vehicles must be washed with a hose that has a shut-off nozzle.
• Don't use fountains or decorative water features unless the water recirculates.

Suppliers will also have to reduce the total volume of water they provide by set amounts that vary based on location, but the SWRCB has stated that they don't intend to begin issuing fines until 2027. This could lead to stricter local guidelines down the line. To get more info, see the Water Board's website.

2. Local Provider-Based Watering Limits in the Bay Area

Outdoor watering schedules and water-use limits vary by provider and location. Many now apply year-round, while others may tighten or loosen based on the time of year, drought stage, or local conditions. Find your provider's name in the section below for more specific info.

Cal Water

Cal Water uses the drought staging system, and all service areas are currently at Stage 1, but the rules are a little different county-to-county.

Restrictions that apply to everyone include:

• No watering lawns or landscaping features between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day
• Have leaks repaired right away to avoid potable water waste

In Visalia, you also need to limit how often you water to two days per week

• For odd-numbered addresses, water on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• For even-numbered addresses, water on Wednesdays and Sundays.
• No watering on any other day of the week.

In Westlake, you can only water outdoor features three days per week, but there are no restrictions on the days of the week or time.

Check Cal Water's Watering Guide for the most up-to-date info often as guidelines can change rapidly depending on local conditions.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC): 

In SFPUC's service areas, restrictions are different for residential customers and commercial businesses as well as places with large landscaping features, like golf courses.

All customers must:

• Not water outdoor plants within 48 hours after it rains.

For commercial and other non-residential customers:

• No watering decorative grass at commercial, industrial, or institutional properties
• Establishments that serve food or drink can only serve water by request.
• Hotels and motels must offer guests the option to decline daily laundry of towels and linens.
• Construction companies must use recycled water for landscaping and construction, if available.

You can find the most up-to-date information for this service area on SFPUC's Water Waste Prevention page and/or SFPUC's Water Use Restrictions page.

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD):

EBMUD's guidelines mirror SFPUC's by prohibiting outdoor watering within 48 hours of rain and making it mandatory for construction companies to use recycled water.

They also build on them by making it mandatory to:

• Water lawns or landscaping only before dawn or at dusk.
• Avoid using water outdoors on consecutive days back-to-back.
• Make timely repairs to leaks and any other plumbing issue that wastes water.
• Use recycled water for construction instead of drinking water from the main supply.

Additional rules for commercial, industrial, or institutional properties ban watering decorative outdoor grass at all times. You can find the most up-to-date information about these and other local ordinances at EBMUD's website.

Valley Water (Santa Clara Valley Water District)

Valley Water serves Santa Clara County through a few direct and retail water suppliers, and like other providers, they've enacted year-round water use limitations.

This includes:

• Not using water outdoors for more than two days per week.
• No irrigation or outdoor watering between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Avoiding outdoor watering that leads to wasteful runoff of potable water

Like EBMUD, Valley Water also restricts most non-residential customers from watering outdoor grass. You can find the latest information for this service area on Valley Water's restrictions page.

10 Ways to Conserve More Water at Home

Following the restrictions is a positive step toward preserving our precious fresh water supply here in California, but it definitely isn't enough, especially during the warmer summer months. It's also important for everyone to do whatever they can to reduce waste in the home, and the top tips below can help.

Save the infographic below, pin it from our Pinterest page, or print it out as a helpful reminder. Or, bookmark this page so you can refer back to it later.

1. Check for Toilet Leaks Often

A running or leaking toilet can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water every month. To check for leaks, remove the cover from your toilet tank and apply two drops of color before waiting 15-20 minutes. If you see dye in the bowl, there's a leak somewhere between it and the tank.

2. Flush Responsibly 

Never put anything but bodily waste or toilet paper down the toilet. Non-biodegradable contaminants waste up to seven more liters of water and harm our waterways.

3. Check Faucets and Fixtures for Leaks 

A faucet that leaks at a rate of one drop per second wastes 17 gallons of water each day. Problems like these often get missed until they cause devastating damage to your home.

4. Install Water-Saving Showerheads

Low-flow showerheads have improved a lot over the years. Install them to reduce your shower flow to around three gallons per minute versus 5-10 while still enjoying reasonable pressure.

5. Use a Front-Loading Washer

Older top-loading washing machines are much less water and energy-efficient. Switching to a front-loader can reduce the amount used by up to 200%.

6. Limit Your Time in the Shower

A long, hot shower might feel nice, but it also wastes a significant amount of potable water. Showers lasting fewer than five minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons of water every month.

7. Use an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher

Newer high-efficiency dishwashers use up to 50% less water than earlier ones, which is a big deal if you wash dishes often. It's a great choice for families with little ones.

8. Turn Off the Water While Handling Toiletries

Turning off the tap when shaving, brushing your teeth, and handling other toiletries can save up to 10 gallons of water per day and 5,700 gallons per year, according to the EPA.

9. Defrost Frozen Goods Slowly

Running meats and other frozen products under the water for hours at a time can waste hundreds of gallons. Put them in the fridge a night or two before you plan to cook instead.

10. Wash Veggies in a Bowl

You don't need to run them under water to get them clean! Filling a bowl with water and just a splash of white vinegar also works, and they might even last longer, too.

Be a Part of the Solution With Caccia Home Services

California's water restrictions aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Even though drought conditions have improved slightly over the past few years, the situation is still serious enough that even a slight shift in precipitation can have a ripple effect on the entire area.

One of the best ways you can contribute to these efforts as a home or property owner is to schedule yearly plumbing inspections. From finding hidden leaks to advice on upgrading to water-saving fixtures and appliances, Caccia Home Services is standing by, ready to help.

FAQs About California's Water Restrictions

Do California's water restrictions still apply when we aren't in a drought?

Yes. California has shifted away from temporary drought orders and toward permanent conservation standards. Even when reservoirs recover, statewide water-waste rules stay in effect, and local providers can tighten limits even further if conditions worsen.

How are water restrictions enforced in 2026?

Enforcement usually starts at the local level through your water provider or city. Most enforcement beyond warnings involves repeat offenders or obvious cases like watering outside of allowed hours. Big state fines against suppliers have been delayed until at least 2027, but you can still receive fines from the city.

Can water restrictions affect my septic tank?

Not directly, although using too little water can sometimes prevent solid waste from moving properly through older or poorly designed septic systems. Regular inspections can help, as can avoiding abrupt increases or decreases in demand.

How do I know which rules apply to my home?

Start with your water bill or provider's website to confirm who supplies your water. Statewide rules always apply, but outdoor watering schedules, turf restrictions, and enforcement details depend on your local provider and, in some cases, your city or county.

Do I need to upgrade anything to comply with the restrictions?

No upgrades are legally required for most homeowners, but we strongly recommend upgrading to high-efficiency fixtures and modern appliances if you haven't already. They just make compliance easier and they'll also help reduce your energy costs, too. 

What's the biggest mistake homeowners make with regard to water restrictions?

So many people focus solely on how often they water their lawn without even realizing that they're wasting more water indoors than out. Regular plumbing inspections are one of the most effective ways to stay compliant and avoid surprises like costly water or structural damage and floods.