Update on rules for irrigation of decorative grass in non-residential areas
(June 10, 2024)As of June 5, 2024, the California State Water Board’s statewide water conservation emergency regulations had expired, including the ban on irrigating decorative grass. Although this statewide drought emergency rule expired, ongoing Marin Water rules remain in place related to the irrigation of new commercial or municipal decorative grass areas. Additionally, a statewide water conservation law passed in 2023 will phase in a ban on the use of potable water to irrigate new and existing decorative grass areas on non-residential properties. Learn more |
Ongoing Marin Water Rules
The District has ongoing water rules in place, designed to eliminate water waste throughout Marin, year-round. These rules apply to customers within the District’s service area, which covers central and southern Marin. If you receive your water bill from a different agency, please check with that agency regarding any applicable water use rules.
The following ongoing water rules are in effect:
- Customers must fix leaks within 48 hours of discovery.
- Sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, or any other hard surfaced areas shall not be washed with a hose.
- All garden hoses must have shut-off nozzles.
- Non-recirculating decorative water fountains shall not be refilled or topped-off.
- Customers shall prevent irrigation system overspray or runoff.
- Customers shall prevent excess water runoff from flowing onto the public right-of-way.
- Irrigation is not permitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Customers may water landscapes or gardens with overhead sprinkler irrigation systems up to twice a week (please note: watering days are not assigned).
- Customers may water landscapes or gardens with drip irrigation systems up to three times a week (please note: watering days are not assigned).
- Potable water shall not be used for irrigating during and within 48 hours after rainfall.
- Marin Water prohibits the use of potable water for irrigating any new ornamental lawn in commercial and municipal landscapes. Learn more
- Turf located in public street medians shall not be watered.
- All recreational pools and spas shall have covers to reduce evaporation.
- Non-recirculating systems for conveyer carwashes and single pass cooling systems are prohibited for new connections.
- Reverse osmosis water purifying systems must be installed with an automatic shutoff unit
- Sewer cleaning/flushing should be done using recycled water when available without having hauling by truck and whenever reasonably possible.
Education and Enforcement of Rules
The district focuses primarily on education to help the community eliminate water waste and relies on customers to follow the rules. However, not following the water use rules listed above may result in a written warning. The second violation may result in a $25 fine, and any subsequent violations may result in a $250 fine.
Reporting Water Waste
Have you observed water being wasted, such as irrigation water running down the street, broken or misdirected sprinklers watering pavement or watering in the middle of the day? Marin residents may report water waste by:
Requesting a Variance
The District may grant exemptions or variances due to hardship, emergency conditions affecting health and safety, or to pursue an alternative means of compliance. For more information, call 415-945-1520. To request a variance, please send a detailed email, explaining the reason(s) you are requesting a variance, to variance@marinwater.org.
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