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Drought Conditions in Sacramento 

CURRENT CONDITIONS (SUMMER 2023)

After months of rain improved drought conditions across the state, the City has ended watering restrictions, which asked customers to reduce water by up to 20 percent. 

A permanent watering ordinance is still in effect, which limits when customers can water their landscapes and prohibits wasting water.

 


How to save water

Residents and businesses can reduce their water use in several ways:

Follow the watering schedule

Residents and business in the city of Sacramento are required to follow a year-round schedule when watering landscapes using sprinklers.

  • From Nov. 1 to Feb. 28, watering is allowed one day per week, on Saturday or Sunday, at any time of day.
  • No weekday watering is permitted.

 

Learn how to track water usage with your Utilities account

This video guide can help teach you how to log in to your Utilities account and track how much water you're using.

 

Water-saving rebates

City customers can save water and money by taking advantage of rebates for:

  • Converting grass to drought-tolerant landscapes
  • Irrigation upgrades
  • Smart controllers
  • Toilet upgrades
  • Faucets and fixtures 

 

Reduce or change sprinkler timing

Most homeowners use the majority of water on their landscapes. Use shorter watering cycles to prevent runoff and reduce water use.

 

Fix leaks around the home

Leaky sprinkler heads and water lines can waste large amounts of water. Check your systems while they run to troubleshoot problems.

 

Get free help from water conservation experts

City water conservation specialists can help you find ways to save water and money at your home and/or property with a free digital "house call."

 

Tree watering (From SacTree Foundation)

Sprinklers don’t water trees deeply enough. Water trees separately using a soaker hose or drip tubing and soak 12 to 18 inches below the soil surface. Add mulch to prevent evaporation and protect roots. Use a moisture meter to check the soil before watering.

 


What the City is doing

The City is doing several things to reduce its water use, including reducing irrigation for parks and streetscapes and ceasing non-essential water use for City programs.

If dry conditions worsen, additional stages of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan describe increasing levels of water-use reduction that can be activated as directed by City Council.

The City last declared drought conditions from 2014 to 2017.

 


Contact us

Not sure where to start? The City offers appointments with water conservation experts who can help customers with water conservation rebates, fixing leaks and other ways to save water.

Call 3-1-1 or email waterconservation@cityofsacramento.org to schedule an appointment.