San Diego Watering Rules & Lawn Irrigation Restrictions: What Homeowners Need to Know
At Nature’s Elements Landscaping, we’re committed to sustainable landscape design and responsible water use—especially in Southern California, where every drop counts. If you're wondering when you can water your lawn in San Diego or what the city’s outdoor irrigation rules are, here’s the latest information you need to stay compliant and conserve water efficiently.
Current Watering Schedule in San Diego (2025)
The City of San Diego has implemented permanent water-use restrictions to help reduce waste and promote efficient landscape irrigation. These rules apply whether you're watering turf, ornamental plants, or garden beds.
Allowed Lawn Watering Days:
Odd-numbered addresses:
Sunday, Tuesday, and ThursdayEven-numbered addresses:
Saturday, Monday, and WednesdayCommercial properties, apartments & condos:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Permitted Watering Times:
Only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Never during the heat of the day, when evaporation is highest.
No Watering:
During or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
Landscape Irrigation Best Practices
As a leading San Diego landscape design and construction company, we recommend the following irrigation strategies to stay within the rules and still maintain a lush yard:
Install drip irrigation systems for plant beds and trees.
Use smart irrigation controllers to automate watering times and skip watering after rain.
Add mulch to your beds to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Replace thirsty turf with drought-tolerant plants and California natives.
Permanent Water Use Restrictions in San Diego
Besides the watering schedule, here are other permanent water regulations every homeowner and business should know:
🚿 No runoff is allowed into sidewalks, streets, or driveways.
🛠️ Leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of discovery.
🧼 Hosing down hard surfaces is allowed only for health and safety reasons and must use a shut-off nozzle or pressure washer.
🚗 Car washing at home is allowed only with a shut-off nozzle or bucket—and only during permitted hours.
🏊 Fountains, pools, and spas must have recirculating systems and must not be overfilled.
🍽️ Restaurants and hotels may only serve drinking water upon request and must offer guests the option to reuse linens and towels.
Violations & Reporting
Residents are encouraged to report water waste via the Get It Done San Diego app or by emailing waterwaste@sandiego.gov. Penalties can apply for non-compliance.
Stay Water-Wise with Nature’s Elements Landscaping
Water conservation is more than a city regulation—it’s a lifestyle that promotes sustainable outdoor living and smarter landscape choices. At Nature’s Elements Landscaping, we help homeowners across San Diego design and build beautiful, low-water-use yards using:
Drought-tolerant plant palettes
Efficient irrigation solutions
Hardscape elements that reduce lawn area
Rainwater harvesting and greywater systems
If you’re looking to upgrade your landscape while staying water-wise, contact us today for a custom consultation. Let’s design a landscape that thrives—without wasting water.
