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.

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.

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

Water Use Rules for All Customers

  • Water when it’s cool outside. Ornamental landscape or turf watering is only allowed before 10 am and after 6 pm, except via hand watering with a bucket or hose with an 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.
  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean. This includes hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways.
  • Fix leaks as soon as possible. Do not use broken or defective plumbing, sprinkler, watering, or irrigation systems.
  • Turn off irrigation systems when it is going to rain. Watering outdoor plants, lawn, grass, landscaping, or turf areas during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall or at least one fourth of one inch of rain is prohibited. Palo Alto’s rainfall measurement is available through Valley Water's Precipitation Gauge.
  • Decorative fountains must have a recirculating system.

Water Use Rules for Businesses, Construction, and Restaurants

There are different water use rules for businesses. Unless otherwise stated, the restrictions above still apply.

Non-Functional Turf (NFT) Watering Ban

California law (AB 1572) will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—lawns that serve no recreational or community purpose. Learn more and explore more resources at NonFunctionalTurfCA.org.

  • January 1, 2028: Applies to commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties
  • January 1, 2029: Applies to HOA common areas

These new rules create a unique opportunity to transform lawns into water-wise landscapes, reducing maintenance costs and shrinking water bills.

What businesses should do now

  • Begin identifying turf areas that may be considered non-functional
  • Plan for future compliance through landscape conversion or use of non-potable water where available
  • Explore rebates and resources to support your transition, including landscape rebates.

Construction

  • Do not use water for construction purposes when non-potable sources are available.

One Water Plan

The One Water Plan evaluates alternative water supplies to make the City’s water supply more resilient. Palo Alto is assessing key regional uncertainties and water supply risks, including projected shortages during multi-year droughts. 

Learn More 

Report Water Waste

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