Water Conservation

Residents and businesses are required to practice measures which include not watering your landscape between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Even better is to set your irrigation timer to water between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.). Large, new landscapes must follow water efficient guidelines detailed in the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance #2242. For more details, click here.

Due to the extreme drought conditions in California, the South Pasadena City Council has declared a Stage 2: Serious Water Supply Shortage. Outdoor watering is now limited to two days per week and leaks must be fixed within 48 hours. As always, no watering is permitted between the hours of 9am and 5pm. 

*Watering Do's and Don'ts

Our FREE water conservation kit is packaged in a South Pasadena Sustainability Division bucket and includes tools to help you reduce water waste. 

*Must be a South Pasadena resident to participate and while supplies last*

To receive your free water conservation kit email: EnvironmentalPrograms@SouthPasadenaCA.gov

Water Conservation Bucket: Collect excess water while waiting for your shower to warm up, or use it to manually water your garden. It's a small step that can make a big difference in water conservation.

Toilet Tank Bank: Save more water per flush by filling the bag with water and hanging it in the toilet reservoir/tank. This will displace an amount of water equivalent to 0.8 gallons, meaning every flush will use less water.

Water Timer: Set a timer for your watering to avoid overwatering or water waste.

Moisture Meter: Avoid estimating the water needed for your lawn or plants using this simple meter to measure the moisture level.

Hose Nozzle: Control the water flow from your hose using this nozzle equipped with different settings based on your water needs.

Toilet Leak Tablets: Drop the tablets into the toilet tank. After placing the tablets in the tank, wait 15 minutes, then check the toilet bowl (remember not to flush during this time). If the water in the bowl changes color, you have a leak!

1.5gpm Aerator: Switch your kitchen head or faucet to a 1.5gpm aerator to save more gallons of water per minute! 

The City of South Pasadena's rebate programs offer different rebates that can help you reduce water waste. From outdoor to indoor water use, we have rebates that range from dishwashers to native trees and water-efficient(drought tolerant) plants! Click here for more information and how to apply.

Let's Save Water! Five Ways to Make a Huge Impact

There are so many ways to save water that involve everyday life. Here are a few facts and tips you might not have known about that make big impacts on saving water:

Why Have a Water Wise Landscape?

A beautiful landscape does not have to be just grass anymore. Residents and businesses are opting for landscapes that are more colorful, interesting, low maintenance and water wise. These attractive landscapes create habitat for wonderful wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies and reduce or eliminate runoff and the need for fertilizers, chemicals and constant maintenance.

Greywater Systems

Greywater is water from showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and bathroom sinks. Using greywater is an innovative way to reduce potable water use and flows to the sewer system. Greywater provides for an efficient means to irrigate your landscape, and provides natural groundwater recharge. Greywater systems can range from simple gravity powered laundry to landscape systems to more complex pumped systems.

There are two types of greywater systems: simple and complex. Each water system vary in complexity, volume of water produced and permitting requirements. In order to determine which system is right for you, you need to now your irrigation needs, including yard size, soil type, groundwater level and budget.

1.  What is happening?

The City of South Pasadena has declared a Stage 2 Serious Water Supply Shortage and is placing limits on watering days in order to ensure there will be enough water to sustain the city moving forward. Watering or irrigation of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas, is limited to two designated days per week. In addition, leaks must be repaired within 48 hours of notification. Other permanent water restrictions also apply.

2.  What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 watering restrictions?

*SOUTH PASADENA IS CURRENTLY IN STAGE 2* 

3.  Who does this apply to?

These new restrictions apply to the entire city, including residences, commercial businesses, schools, or any establishment within the City of South Pasadena.

 4.  What are my new watering days?

Addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) may water only on Mondays and Thursdays.

Addresses ending in an odd number  (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) may water only on Tuesdays and Fridays.

No watering is allowed in the City on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Leaks must be repaired within 48 hours of notification.

No addresses are permitted to water their landscape between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm.

5.  Can I change my watering days? 

No. Watering days are assigned based on street address, no exceptions. 

6.  What other watering restrictions are there besides the two days per week watering limit?

The following watering restrictions are effective at all times regardless of what water supply stage the City is in:

1. Watering between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. is prohibited
2. Excessive water run-off from sprinklers/irrigation is prohibited
3. Watering during periods of rain and 48 hours after is prohibited
4. Washing down hard or paved surfaces is prohibited
5. Vehicles must be washed with a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle
6. Watering is limited to 15 minutes per station per day
7. Using water to clean, fill or maintain levels in decorative fountains, ponds or other similar aesthetic structures is prohibited unless the structure uses a recirculating water system.

7.  Are there any exceptions to the watering restrictions?

Stage 2 water restrictions apply to any person in the use of any potable water except for the following water uses:

1. Water necessary for public health and safety including fire suppression
2. Any use of recycled water
3. The use of water by commercial nurseries and commercial growers to sustain plants, trees, shrubs, crops or other vegetation intended for resale
4. Hillside areas recovering from fire
5. Landscape irrigation zones that exclusively use low flow drip type irrigation systems where no emitter produces more than two gallons of water per hour
6. Watering or irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container
7. Watering for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system; or for maintenance of vegetation, including vegetable gardens, fruit trees and shrubs, intended for consumption.

8.  When do the new watering restrictions go into effect?

Stage 2 regulations became effective immediately after the adoption of the resolution by City Council on June 15, 2022. Enforcement begins July 1, 2022 and will stay in effect until further announcement by City Council.

9.  Why is this happening?

On March 28, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-7-22 requiring local water suppliers move to “Level 2” of their water shortage contingency plans, and prohibiting watering of non-functional turf.  On April 26, 2022, the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Board of Directors declared a Water Shortage Emergency Condition and adopted an Emergency Water Conservation Program for areas that are dependent on State Water Project (SWP) supplies. On May 11, 2022, the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District) Board of Directors also adopted an Emergency Water Conservation Program encouraging all of Upper District’s retail water agencies (including the City of South Pasadena) to reduce water use by twenty percent (20%) and limit outdoor irrigation to two (2) days per week.

These actions come as a result of extreme drought conditions in California. The water year that ended September 30, 2021, was the second driest on record. January and February 2022 followed as the driest in recorded history. Water levels are significantly below average, despite recent rainfall and storms. These conditions can threaten water supplies, impair critical habitat, reduce recreational opportunities, and create uncertainty for everyone. Our early efforts are vital and can help minimize drought impacts!

10.  Are other cities in California reducing their water usage?

Yes, most cities have reduced their watering days. Some cities have even reduced watering to one day per week and have implemented these restrictions much earlier this year.

11.  What is the City doing to conserve water?

To conserve water, the City has altered watering practices at facilities with non-functional turf (grassy areas that are ornamental and not used for human recreation).  In South Pasadena, this includes medians and locations such as the South Pasadena Rock Sign, but excludes school fields, sports fields, and parks.  Median irrigation systems are currently being reconfigured to cease turf watering, and provide drip irrigation to only trees and similar vegetation.

SOUTH PASADENA GREEN ACTION PLAN The City is exploring multiple avenues to conserve water throughout the city, for both residential and commercial facilities. Goal II of the South Pasadena Green Action Plan is to Enhance Water Conservation Projects and Programs and includes a series of strategies and actions aimed to promote water conservation efforts throughout the City. Strategies include providing education and promoting greywater systems, promoting the use of water conservation devices, providing educational materials and expert advice on water conservation practices, and increasing conservation efforts outdoors.

12.  What is the City doing to encourage residents and businesses to conserve water?

REBATES For the past several years, the City has offered rebates and water conservation programs for its residents and business owners contributing to a 22% water use reduction between 2013 and 2021. The City currently offers rebates for installing drip irrigation, drought tolerant plants, native trees, and more. In addition, the City has partnered with MWD to offer more rebates on devices such as water efficient clothes washers, smart irrigation controllers, and turf replacement. Visit www.SouthPasadenaCA.gov/Rebates for more information and to apply!

FREE WATER CONSERVATION DEVICES The City provides free water conservation devices, such as low-flow aerators and showerheads, to residents at no charge. These devices can be picked up from City Hall at the first floor counter.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Educating the community is also a crucial strategy to encourage lasting change within the City. By providing tools such as handouts, webpages, and workshops, residents can learn about how to effectively conserve water and develop new sustainable habits.

13.  What is the Water Conservation Program?

The Water Conservation Program is meant to encourage South Pasadena residents and business owners to implement water saving practices and play an active role in conserving our water sources. This program includes rebates, assessments, workshops, and other educational tools such as handouts and virtual newsletters.

The revenue for these programs is collected through a water efficiency fee of $0.14 per unit of water billed to all city water customers. Through this fund, residents are able to make their homes and landscape water efficient by applying for rebates. These rebates, assessments, and workshops are not only meant for residential properties, but commercial properties as well.

14.  Does the City have enough water?

YES! The city derives its water from 3 sources:

(1) groundwater pumped from wells in the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin

(2) surface water imported by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California  (Metropolitan) from the Colorado River and from Northern California

(3) groundwater from the City of Pasadena, which includes Metropolitan water, that is supplied to only the City’s Pasadena Zone. 

The diverse water sources allow the city to be flexible with water usage, but in order to ensure that future generations do not have lack of access to water action must be taken now!

15.  Where can I find more information about watering restrictions?

For the most updated information regarding watering restrictions with the City of South Pasadena, visit www.SouthPasadenaCA.gov/WaterConservation. To view the City’s Municipal Code, Chapter 35: Water, visit: www.codepublishing.com/CA/SouthPasadena/.

16.  Are there certain hours that I cannot water my landscape?

Residents shall not water their landscape between the hours of 9am and 5pm due to increased evapotranspiration levels, which make it difficult for plants’ roots to properly absorb the water.

17.  How should I water my plants?

You can water on designated days for no more than 15 minutes per station per day. If a specific plant requires special care such as more watering, you are able to water using a hand-held bucket or similar container. Areas that use low flow drip type irrigation, where no emitter produces more than 2 gallons of water per hour, are exempt from these restrictions.

18.  I don't have an irrigation system, can I use my hose to water my lawn? 

Yes, you can water with a hose on any day of the week. However, the hose must have a shutoff nozzle, watering cannot exceed 15 minutes per day, and you can only water your landscape before 9am and after 5pm. As a reminder: watering between 9am and 5pm is prohibited and runoff can result in penalties. 

19.  How can I use a hose?

The hose must be equipped with a shutoff nozzle and cannot be on continuously for non-landscaping purposes (defined as three minutes or more). If you are watering your landscape, trees, or plants, you cannot water for more than 15 minutes per day. Examples of acceptable hose nozzles with shutoff valves are displayed in the images below. An attachment with a shutoff switch automatically shuts off the flow of water when manual pressure is released, ultimately reducing water waste. 

20.  What is runoff?

Runoff occurs when water from landscape watering overflows the walkway on private property or the sidewalk on public property. Where no sidewalk exists, water shall not be used in any way so as to flow over the curb or into any gutter or street, private or otherwise. Water runoff can occur in any quantity, examples shown below.

All water runoff is prohibited in the City of South Pasadena. Violators are subject to fines. 

21.  Can I water my potted plants?

Yes, watering by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container is permitted! If using a hose to water your garden, it must be equipped with a shutoff nozzle AND cannot be on for more than 3 minutes at a time.

22.  How long can I water for on each of my selected watering days?

On each of your two (2) selected watering days, you can water your landscape for up to 15 minutes total per station per day at a time before 9am OR after 5pm. Please be aware of runoff caused by excess watering.

23.  How should I water my trees?

You should water your trees about once a week with approximately 15-20 gallons of water for a 15-gallon tree. Utilize a bucket or watering can and water slowly to ensure that all water is being absorbed. If the soil is moist, there is no need to water.

24. Can I refill my fountain, pond, or other decorative structure?

No water shall be used to clean, fill or maintain levels in decorative fountains, ponds or other similar aesthetic structures unless the structure uses a recirculating water system. The only exception for refilling a decorative structure is to sustain aquatic life.

25.  How much time do I have to fix a leak?

All leaks, breaks or other malfunctions in the water user’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within forty-eight (48) hours of notification by the department unless other arrangements are made with the department. Obligation to fix leaks, breaks, or malfunctions is the responsibility of the resident or business owner.

26.  Can I wash my car at home?

Yes; however, you cannot wash any vehicle, trailer or boat by allowing any hose to run continuously, defined as three minutes or more.  Said hose must be equipped with a shutoff nozzle. Refer to FAQ #19. How can I use a hose and FAQ #20. What if runoff for more information regarding shutoff nozzles for your hose and water runoff. 

27.  How will these watering restrictions be enforced?

As is current practice, Public Works field staff will first issue door hangers to notify and educate residents and businesses of observed violations of water conservation regulations and will escalate enforcement to include fines for repeated violations. Residents and businesses can also report any observed violations by calling the Public Works Department at (626) 403-7240 or by emailing waterconservation@southpasadenaca.gov.

28.  How can I report a violation?

Do you see any water waste in your neighborhood? Let us know! Anyone in South Pasadena can report water waste or incorrect watering days.

Email waterconservation@southpasadenaca.gov and include:

1) address/location of water waste

2) date and time of water waste

3) type of waste (ex: excessive runoff, broken sprinkler, watering on wrong day or time, watering too long, etc.)

4) picture of the water waste (optional, but very helpful)

29.  What penalties will be imposed for not complying with the new watering restrictions?

Per South Pasadena Municipal Code Section 35.90-95, monetary penalties will be issued for water customers who violate any of the water conservation regulations. Penalties are as follows: