Water Conservation is a permanent fact of life for California residents. Even in the absence of drought emergencies, there exist permanent State- and District-level water restrictions that are in effect all year.
Mandated California Water-Use Restrictions for Commercial and Public Services
The following State water use restrictions are mandated by California law apply to commercial and public services and include:
- Hotels and motels shall clearly offer guests a limited linen/towel exchange program. (see Placards for Business page)
- Restaurants shall not serve water to customers unless requested. (see Placards for Business page)
- Irrigation of ornamental turf in roadway medians and parkway strips is prohibited. Note: Restrictions don't apply to recycled water.
Marina County Water District's Mandatory Water-Use Restrictions
MCWD has the following mandatory water use restrictions for customers that remain in effect at all times:
- Water cannot be run unattended or to waste.
- Irrigation is only allowed before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.
- No irrigating landscapes at any time during or 48 hours after a rainfall event.
- Do not use potable (drinking) water to clean driveways, sidewalks, or other hard surfaced areas, except where necessary to protect public health or safety
- If you use a hose for washing buildings or vehicles it must have an automatic shutoff valve.
- Do not use potable water in fountains, unless the water recirculates.
- Plumbing and irrigation leaks, breaks, or defects shall be repaired within 72 hours.
- Public entities must display signs promoting water conservation.
- Restaurants shall not serve water to customers unless requested.
- Note, these restrictions do not apply to recycled or other non-potable water.
MCWD Stage 1 Irrigation-Use Restrictions — Highly recommended
To achieve Marina Coast Water District Stage 1 goals (to achieve 10% reduction compared to 2020 baseline), customers are asked to practice the following voluntary irrigation practices:
- Only apply irrigation water as needed (see the MCWD Landscape Watering Guides) for easy water saving tips
- Eliminate or limit irrigation of turf to only two days per week or less.
- Limit irrigation of plants, shrubs and ground covers to no more than two days per week.
For more Information:
- Review the District's Water Conservation Ordinance and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
- Visit Drought.CA.Gov to learn more about how to prevent water waste or how California is dealing with the effects of the drought.
- Visit Save Our Water to learn more about the importance of water conservation in California.