Effective June 2009, the City of Sacramento updated its Water Conservation Ordinance and implemented the following provisions and regulations:

• Watering for the purpose of washing down sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas is prohibited
• Washing vehicles without an auto shut off nozzle is prohibited, except if conducted on outdoor irrigation day at home address
• Landscape irrigation water use between 10 am to 6 pm is forbidden
• If home address is an odd number, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday are designated outdoor irrigation days; Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday are the designated days for even number home addresses.
• During the winter, outdoor irrigation days are restricted to once a week, with odd home addresses on Saturday and even home addresses on Sunday
• If a water shortage is declared, city council may impose further limitations on outdoor water use
• For new landscaping, water use may be allowed any day of the week for a maximum of 21 days after first planted

The penalty for first violation of any of the above regulations is a warning. A second violation is a fine of $25, waived if the perpetrator completes an education class; third violations are $100, and any to follow are $500 each. Fines are directed back to the Department of Utilities Water Conservation Office for the purpose of outreach and education regarding water conservation.

“Spare the Water Sacramento” was launched in June 2009 with a goal of educating residents about simple everyday changes they can make in order to reduce water consumption. Part of this new program is Water Wise House Calls, in which a trained Water Conservation Specialists visits a customer’s home (free of charge) to identify potential water savings. This may include, but is not limited to, examining irrigation systems, setting irrigation timers, and equipping residents with retrofit devices and additional informational materials.

For the City’s largest water users (private companies and other public agencies), increased efforts are in place to provide water saving tips. Employed as a similar approach to the Water Wise House Call, a trained water efficiency expert will visit a site, check all appliances and irrigations system devices, and provide detailed recommendations.

The City is also reviewing internal operations. The Department of Parks and Recreation is developing new strategies and regulations for City parks, community centers, and aquatic facilities such as watering parks before 5 am and after 9pm; replacing outdated irrigation systems; and implementing new design techniques for parks with less turf and more drought-resistant landscape.

To receive a broad range of input on water conservation, the following groups were included in discussions with the City: Regional Water Authority, California Urban Water Conservation Council, Roberts Landscaping, UC Master Gardeners, City of Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation, Living Resources Company, Ewing Irrigation, Neighborhood Services Department, Nepenthe Neighborhood Association, Sacramento Green Gardener Workshop, and Water Forum.