Water Efficiency

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

1.  No watering of ornamental lawns or turf. The State of California has banned the use of potable water (drinking water) to irrigate non-functional, ornamental lawns or turf(PDF, 1MB) at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites. Watering exceptions apply for functional turf (e.g. playing fields and golf courses), in which there is no limit on irrigation days; those sites can be irrigated as necessary for health and safety. Irrigation is prohibited entirely for non-functional turf unless to protect the health of trees or perennial plants (non-turf), or to address an immediate heath and safety need.
2. Watering days apply to ornamental landscapes. The two days per week rule applies to ornamental landscapes, which includes landscaping for purely decorative purposes, distinguished from trees, edible gardens or landscapes that are functional as well as aesthetic. For non-residential customers who irrigate by zone, irrigation of ornamental landscapes with potable water is permitted more than two days per week, as long as each irrigation zone within an individual property is irrigated no more than two days per week.
3. Restaurants must provide customers with water only upon request.
4. Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. The hotel or motel shall prominently display notice of this option in each guestroom using clear and easily understood language.
5. Do not use water for construction purposes when non-potable sources are available.

April 11, 2023: The City's water supplier, the SFPUC, formally rescinded the water shortage emergency declaration but kept the systemwide voluntary water use reduction target of 11%.

May 24, 2022: The State Water Resources Control Board adopted an emergency regulation that prohibits irrigation of non-functional turf with potable water in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors except as necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings, or to the extent necessary to address an immediate health and safety need. 

January 4, 2022: The State Water Resources Control Board adopted an emergency regulation that prohibits irrigating within two days of a rain event and washing hardscapes with potable water unless there is a health and safety need. The state regulations also ensure that Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) don’t unlawfully restrain homeowners from taking water conservation actions.

November 23, 2021: The SFPUC declared a water shortage emergency for the Regional Water System.

The Palo Alto community reduced water usage by 13.4% for the months of July 2022 through March 2023 compared to July 2019 through March 2020.

Outdoor water use makes up the majority of a household's overall water consumption. Regularly checking for leaks and landscape water efficiency are great ways to conserve a large volume of water. We partner with Valley Water on a variety of outdoor water conservation programs that will help you conserve water outdoors.

Efficient indoor water use is important too. Be sure to regularly check for leaks and replace old toilets and clothes washers with new, efficient models. Valley Water provides low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and automatic shut-off hose nozzles free of charge. Visit the Valley Water Shopping Cart online to request these items free of charge. CPAU’s Home Efficiency Genie is another great resource for tips on improving the efficiency of your home. Contact the Genie at (650) 713-3411 for a free over-the-phone consultation.

We want to remind people to continue irrigating trees during the drought. Trees represent high-value landscape that requires a long-term, significant investment. A healthy urban canopy offers many benefits to the community and environment. Visit Canopy's online Tree Library to pick drought resistant trees before planting. Canopy also provides watering instructions, tree care guides, and more.

Businesses can participate in our water-saving programs and receive free installation of toilets, urinal flush valves, pre-rinse spray valves for dishwashing, low-flow faucet aerators, showerheads, and rebates for upgrading other appliances and equipment. Visit Valley Water’s rebates page to learn more about the resources available to businesses in Palo Alto.

The City's Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) includes a key action to develop a plan for implementing a One Water portfolio. The One Water approach to integrated water resource planning will take a broader, more comprehensive look at water supply options including green stormwater infrastructure, recycled water and other non-potable water sources to supplement and preserve the potable water supply.

Learn more at cityofpaloalto.org/onewater.

The current focus is on education and outreach including reminding customers about permanent water use restrictions and providing resources to achieve efficient water use. When we receive information about potential water waste, we attempt to contact the customer and use door hangers when we are unable to speak with the customer.

If the drought worsens, enforcement will increase.

• 1st incident: Doorhanger/Email/Phone call to customer
• 2nd incident: Doorhanger/Email/Phone call to customer
• 3rd incident: Certified letter from the Utility Director notifying customer of violation and potential future fines
• 4th incident: Fines may be levied

Reporting water waste through PaloAlto311

• Email: drought@cityofpaloalto.org or leave a voice message at (650) 496-6968.  

City of Palo Alto staff are always interested in hearing from the community. Your feedback is welcome. Please feel free to share your comments, suggestions and/or questions with us at drought@cityofpaloalto.org

Remember, it is important to use water wisely every day, regardless of drought conditions. Thank you for doing your part to help Palo Alto meet its water efficiency goals!