South Gate Water Conservation Program

California has a traditionally dry climate, making it important for us to make water conservation a way of life and use water wisely. Good conservation practices help ensure a reliable water supply into our future. The City has permanent water restrictions which are shown below to help conserve water.

Mandatory Level 2 Water Conservation Measures - Notification letter(PDF, 140KB)

Water Conservation Schedule and Restrictions

The state is experiencing lower than average rain and snowpack conditions, which is impacting water supply.  On May 24, 2022, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted emergency drought regulations to reduce water demand and improve water conservation. 

In response, the City Council declared a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage.  New mandatory water conservation requirements are now in effect, in addition to the permanent requirements, listed below.  

For more information please click on the link.(PDF, 4MB)

Permanent Water Conservation Requirements – Prohibitions Against Waste

• Limits on Watering Hours. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
• Limit on Watering Duration.
• No Excessive Water Flow or Runoff. Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape or other vegetated area in a manner that causes or allows excessive water flow or runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.
• No Washing Down Hard or Paved Surfaces.
• Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions.
• Recirculating Water Required for Water Fountains and Decorative Water Features. Operating a water fountain or other decorative water feature that does not use recirculated water is prohibited.
• Limits on Washing Vehicles.
• Drinking Water Served Upon Request Only At Eating or Drinking Establishments.
• Commercial Lodging Establishments Must Provide Option to Not Launder Linen Daily.
• No Installation of Single Pass Cooling Systems.
• No Installation of Non-recirculating Water Systems in Commercial Car Wash and Laundry Systems. I
• Restaurants Required to Use Water Conserving Dish Wash Spray Valves.

Level 2 Water Supply Shortage 

• Limits Watering Days: Irrigating turf with potable water is limited to two days per week and prohibited between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day except by use of a hand-held bucket, water shut-off nozzle or device.
• Allowed watering schedule within above hours for odd and even numbered property addresses are as follows:                   

  Addresses Ending In:	Watering Days
  Even Numbers (0,2,4,6,8)	Monday and Thursday
  Odd Numbers (1,3,5,7,9)	Tuesday and Friday

   

• Obligation to fix leaks, breaks, or malfunctions within 2 days of being noticed.
• Washing vehicles without an automatic shutoff nozzle, Washing impervious areas, Street cleaning or construction site prep.
• Filling or refilling decorative fountains, lakes, or ponds without recirculation systems, except to sustain aquatic life.
• Irrigating turf within 48 hours of one fourth of an inch (¼”) of rainfall.
• Commercial Lodging establishments must provide option to not launder linen daily.
• Restaurants are required to use water conserving dish wash spray valves and only serve drinking water upon request.
• Limits on Filling Residential Swimming Pools and Spas. Refilling of more than one foot and initial filling of residential swimming pools or outdoor spas with potable water is prohibited
• The use of water is not prohibited when using to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings or to the extent necessary to address an immediate health and safety need.

For more information, please click on the link.(DOCX, 17KB)

Water Conservation Tips

Outdoor Water Use

• Refrain from washing down sidewalks and driveways.
• Avoid irrigating landscapes in a manner that causes excess run off.
• Shut off fountains or decorative water features, unless the water is part of a recirculation system.

 Indoor Water Use

• Reduce your normal shower time by 5 minutes.
• Turn off water while brushing teeth.
• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.

For water conservation rebates, please visit https://www.bewaterwise.com

For more information about the State's water conservation standards, please visit www.waterboards.ca.gov

Top Ten Tips for Saving Water

Conservation & Water Saving Tips

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

In order to conserve water, the City of South Gate encourages replacing your existing lawn with drought tolerant landscaping. However, the City of South Gate’s codes require that the entire front and side yards must be landscaped with a live plant material.

To assist residents with creating a plan for drought tolerant landscaping, please refer to the County of Los Angeles drought tolerant landscape guidelines. A link to these guidelines can be found here(PDF, 3MB).

Further assistance can be found by visiting the Community Development Department’s Planning Division at City Hall or by calling 323-563-9526.