Water

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Water is a precious resource that you can help conserve. State and local water use restrictions are in place to help.

Learn more about the City's water supply and water quality.

Own or Manage a Commercial Property? New California watering requirements may affect you.

Learn about the commercial nonfunctional turf ban

Water Supply Condition Update

California’s climate is highly variable, with periods of drought and heavy rainfall. Regardless of current weather conditions, long-term water reliability depends on consistent, efficient water use every day. 

Water Use Rules for All Customers

The City of Palo Alto’s permanent water use restrictions remain in effect. For more information, see Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 12.32.010.

  • Water when it’s cool outside. Ornamental landscape or turf watering is only allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm, except via hand watering with a bucket or hose with a shut-off valve.
  • Always use a hose with a nozzle. Make sure that the nozzle shuts off automatically when the handle is released for watering landscapes.
  • Don’t let water run into streets or gutters. Watering that results in flooding or runoff in gutters, sidewalks, driveways, or streets is prohibited.
  • Fix leaks as soon as possible. Do not use broken or defective plumbing, sprinkler, watering, or irrigation systems.
  • Decorative fountains must have a recirculating system.
  • Do not use potable water (drinking) for construction purposes when non-potable sources are available. 
  • Do not use potable water (drinking) for street sweepers and washers when non-potable sources are available.
  • Commercial car washes must use recycled water systems, if recycled water is available

Water Conservation Recommendations

The City recommends that customers continue to conserve by considering the following measures:

  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways.
  • Turn off irrigation systems when it is going to rain.
  • Cover pools when not in use.

Nonfunctional Turf Watering Ban

California law (AB 1572) will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf lawns (decorative grass) that serve no recreational or community purpose.

  • January 1, 2027 – Public properties
  • January 1, 2028 – Commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties
  • January 1, 2029 – Homeowner association (HOA) common areas, and community service organizations 

This law does not apply to single-family residential properties.

Property owners are encouraged to begin planning now by identifying nonfunctional turf areas and exploring water-wise landscaping options. Get started by exploring currently available rebates.

Learn more about the requirements and compliance timelines on our Nonfunctional Turf page.

Report Water Waste

One Water Plan

The One Water Plan presents a framework for evaluating water supply and water conservation alternative portfolios that may mitigate the impact of future water supply uncertainties such as severe multi-year drought, changes in climate, water demand, and regulations.

Learn More about the One Water Plan 

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