Water-use Restrictions Information

Drought emergency and penalties lifted, water-use restrictions remain

Yard SignCVWD supports actions taken April 7, 2017 to lift the state’s drought emergency while shifting focus to long-term conservation efforts and improved planning for future droughts. During the drought emergency months, CVWD customers reduced their water use by an average of 23% compared to the state’s base year of 2013. Because of the behavior changes, the state is looking to make water-use restrictions permanent.

Fact Sheet on water-use restrictions (PDF) (en Español)
Water Supply Reliability Certification Worksheet
Water Supply Reliability Certification Supplemental Information
1422.5 - Imposing revised restrictions on water use to comply with statewide drought regulations
CVWD lifts drought penalties and extends water-use restrictions 5/24/2016

CVWD customers are encouraged to continue to be mindful of their water use and understand that water-smart behavior is now part of being a Californian. Water-use restrictions remain in place CVWD is asking customers to now focus on the goals of the Water Management Plan, which calls for a 20% reduction in water use by 2020.

CVWD will continue to enforce water-use restrictions, currently in place. Enforcement efforts are reported monthly to the State Water Board.

The restrictions include:

  • No irrigation during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
  • Broken sprinklers must be repaired within 24 hours of notification.
  • Eating establishments may only serve drinking water upon request.
  • Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.
  • Applying water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff to adjacent property, roadways, parking lots, etc. is prohibited.
  • Using a hose to wash an automobile, windows, solar panels, and tennis courts, except where the hose is equipped with a shut-off nozzle, is prohibited.
  • Applying any water to any hard surface including, but not limited to, driveways, sidewalks, and asphalt is prohibited.
  • Homeowners’ associations or community service organizations cannot block, stifle, or threaten homeowners from reducing or eliminating the watering of vegetation or lawns during a declared drought emergency.
  • Irrigation with any water of ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited.
  • No use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system. 

Watch a video on How to read your water bill.


Additional Resources
Ready to make some changes so that you can cut your outdoor water use? Here are some key resources:

If you’ve taken advantage of all these resources and still need help, give us a call. We’re here to help you conserve

  1. Under what authority can Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) impose drought penalties or fines?
  2. Was a public meeting held?
  3. How were customers notified?
  4. Does the San Juan Capistrano court case make your tiered rates illegal?
  5. My HOA and/or city prohibit me from allowing my lawn to brown or converting to desert landscaping. How can I be expected to conserve water?
  1. Why does the district not comply with the requirements that apply to public utilities under the public utilities code?
  2. I am an apartment owner and have no control over consumption at my rental units. How can I be expected to comply with the drought ordinance?
  3. Under what authority can the district require that service be provided on the account of the landlord?
  4. How do I request a hearing to appeal a water waste fine?
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