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Environment - Drought

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1. Why is there a 30 percent water conservation target in San José?

California is entering its fourth year of drought. In order to prepare for water shortages, Governor Brown declared a mandatory 25% water conservation rule in April. In addition, San José is aligned with the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s call for a high conservation target of 30% to address the severe drought.

2. Are the new San José drought rules mandated?

Yes. These rules apply to all residents and businesses in San José regardless of which water retailer serves them.

3. What are some of the new rules?

Outdoor water use is probably the easiest place to reduce water use since it accounts for roughly half of the average water bill.

• If using a sprinkler system, residents and businesses can only water outdoors on two designated days, and only before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.


• Odd numbered addresses may water on Mondays and Thursdays;


• Even numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Fridays;


• Properties without an address may water on Mondays and Thursdays.


• If using a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle or a drip irrigation system, residents and businesses can water outdoors before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m., without a designated day restriction. (Watering in the cooler hours of the day helps reduce evaporation and allows plants and landscape to absorb more of the water.)


• Watering outdoors at other times is not allowed.
• Any new outdoor landscaping or plantings cannot be installed between May and October with an overhead irrigation system, unless the overhead irrigation system is disconnected or converted to a drip irrigation system. This ensures that any new landscaping or plantings will have sufficiently more efficient watering, otherwise it cannot be installed until after October.
• Residents cannot wash cars at home with potable water. Instead, car washing can be done with gray water or at a commercial car washing facility, which uses a recirculation system.
• Residents cannot refill residential swimming pools or outdoor spas more than one foot and no initial filling with potable water is allowed, with the exception of existing pools that are drained to make leak repairs.

Full list of San José water use rules in effect

4. Why can’t I choose which watering day works best for me?

The designated two days per week watering schedule is based on a collaborative effort to have a consistent schedule to help reduce overall outdoor water conservation countywide.

5. My water provider has different watering days than the City. Which days can I water?

If your residence or business is within the City of San José, you must follow the City of San José's watering days and restrictions, which apply citywide.

6. How can homeowners determine their water consumption?

Home owners can look at their bills sent from their water providers. Customer service agents from the water providers are available if there are any questions.

7. How will these rules be enforced?

The City has an education first approach, sharing water conservation rules and tips with the community. If a resident/business is not complying with drought rules, a $160 citation will be issued.

8. How do I report water wasters?

Please report water wasters through the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s hotline at 408-630-2000 or email at drought@valleywater.org.