Rules of Water Waste

The following restrictions will help protect the District's water supply from groundwater overdraft, seawater intrusion, and drought:

No general water waste: Indiscriminate running of water or washing in a manner that is wasteful and without reasonable purpose is prohibited.
No irrigation run-off: Adjust irrigation systems to prevent overspray and run-off.
No sprinkler use between 10 am and 8 pm: Only watering mornings or evenings reduces water loss from evaporation and wind.
No hosing down of hard or paved surface except when necessary for health and safety. A positive shut-off nozzle is required.
Always use a positive shut-off hose nozzle for outdoor water use (free hose nozzles are available to District customers).
Always repair irrigation system and plumbing leaks within 72 hours.
Food service establishments may only serve drinking water upon customer request and must display notice of this policy. (Call to request free signs).
Hospitality/ lodging establishments must give customers the option to forego daily laundering of linens and must display notice of this policy. (Call to request free signs).
No watering during rainfall or for 48 hours following measurable rainfall.

Temporary Stage 3 Water Shortage Emergency Rules

No exterior washing of structures (unless necessary for sanitation and health or to prepare for paint or stain and a pressure washer is used).
Car washing at home must be efficient. Use waterless spray, bucket, and hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle or pressure washer. If possible, water should not run off of the property. Efficient car washes within our District:
- Bay Avenue Self Serve Car Wash
  821 Bay Avenue
  Capitola, CA 95010
- AJ's Fuel and Car Wash
  5955 Soquel Drive
  Soquel, CA 95073
Commercial customers must display "Save Water" signage (free signs are available)

Non-functional turf (grass) irrigation ban: Commercial, institutional, and homeowners’ associations are required to stop all irrigation of non-functional turf (i.e., turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events). Some exceptions may apply.