Water Conservation
Water is an important resource with limited supply. In fact, the amount of water available today is the same supply available when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
The City of Stockton is committed to conserving water and works year-round to increase water conservation and raise awareness about programs and services available within the City’s water service area.
Effective May 19, 2015, the Stockton City Council approved new water regulations and restrictions to comply with State-mandated requirements to address California's significant drought.
The following restrictions apply immediately. (Printable copy – Water regulations and restrictions):
Watering – Exterior Irrigation
- No watering – between 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall
- Even numbered addresses – Tuesday and Fridays only
- Odd numbered addresses – Mondays and Thursdays only
- Locations without addresses – Monday and Thursdays only
- Water leaks – corrected within 24 hours of discovery/notifications
- Wasteful running of water/washing with water – unlawful without reasonable purpose
Other – Exterior Uses
- Buildings and mobile home exterior (with water) – only with bucket and sponge
- Cars and Vehicles – positive shut-off nozzle only on assigned watering days & times
- Fountains (public/commercial locations) – operated only with recirculated water
- Outside surfaces – driveways, sidewalks, patios, parking lots & other surfaces; only with pressurized sidewalk cleaning equipment for sanitation, public health/safety & fire protection
- Repairing/Repainting – pressurized washing device with quick action, positive shut-off
- Pool draining/refilling – must obtain permit; only for protection of public health/safety
Additional Business (Commercial and Industrial) and Fire Hydrants
- Car washes (commercial) – reclaimed soap and water only (no day restrictions)
- Hotels and motels – must provide option to refuse daily towel & linen laundering
- Restaurants -– water served only upon customer request
- Dust control – use of potable water not allowed, except for public health/safety
- Fire hydrant – use of potable water not allowed (unless no alternate/recycled water sources available) except by Fire protection agencies for fire suppression or by responsible water agencies
Reporting Water Wasting
- Printable copy – Water regulations and restrictions
- Report Water Wasting (online form)
- Report Water Wasting: Call 1-866-STOKWTR (866-786-5987)
Water Use Survey
Save up to 25% of the water used at your home or business by downloading the Water Use Home Survey Kit and conduct a do-it-yourself water-use survey. Submit your survey results to the City and receive a free water-saving kit.
High-Efficiency Toilets
The High-Efficiency Toilet Direct Install Program is available for City commercial, industrial, and institutional water customers. This program covers the cost of the hardware and installation when changing older, inefficient toilets that use more than 1.6 gallons per flush.
Participating plumbing contractors will install high-efficiency toilets, low flow faucet aerators, and shower heads (when applicable). They will also review your water meter to check for leaks. The City of Stockton maintains a list of plumbing contractors that currently participate in the installation of high-efficiency toilets.
Landscape
Outdoor water use accounts for the majority of water use for the average residential household and may also be applicable to businesses. "Landscape Water Saving Tips" provide customers with easy-to-follow tips that can result in big water savings. Learn more by visiting the Stockton Water-Wise Gardening in External Links below.
Pools
Written authorization from MUD is required to drain or refill a pool. To obtain authorization, please submit a request online or Contact Us. Authorization can only be granted for the protection of public health and safety.
Recycling, Energy, Air, and Conservation (REACON) Assessment
The City, as a participating member of the Stockton Area Water Suppliers, is a sponsor of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce’s REACON Team. Through the REACON Team, assessments are conducted to evaluate water use, recycling, energy, and air.
School Programs
The City, in partnership with Stockton Area Water Suppliers, provides in-class, after-school, and assembly programs to promote water conservation. The City also provides tours of its new water treatment plant.
Guiding Documents
The Water Conservation Program works to meet and prioritize all goals and objectives as outlined in local, state, and federal water conservation guiding documents.
External Links
Turf and Toilet Rebates - Statewide rebate program
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce REACON Team - Evaluate water use, recycling, energy, air
Save Our Water - Statewide program to help Californians reduce everyday water use.
Stockton Area Water Suppliers (SAWS)
Stockton Municipal Code Section 13.28.030 - Regulations on Water Restrictions (year round)
Stockton Water-Wise Gardening - Water-saving plants and watering tips
WaterSense (Partnership program by U.S. EPA) - Learn about water-saving devices and more.
This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 4/10/2017