Drought Response and Water Conservation

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Drought Response and Water Conservation

Last Updated: 07/19/22 at 12:17

In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order calling for Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 15% from 2020. As of June 2022, that goal is not being met. Following the driest first three months of a year in the state’s recorded history, Governor Newsom signed another Executive Order in March 2022 directing water suppliers to implement new water conservation measures effective immediately. These new rules affect all Elk Grove residents and businesses.

Elk Grove is served by the Elk Grove Water District and the Sacramento County Water Agency. Both water districts are implementing their water shortage contingency plans – with a goal to reduce overall water usage by 20%. Find your purveyor to see who delivers your water.

Learn more about Elk Grove's water conservation plan and California's drought

You can read the Governor's March 2022 Executive Order.
You can find more information about the State Water Resources Control Board's Emergency regulation.

When Can You Water?

Your street address and who delivers your water determines when you can irrigate.

Watering Schedule for Elk Grove Water District Customers

Addresses Ending In	Watering Days	Permitted Irrigation Time of Day
Odd Number (1,3,5,7,9)	Tuesday, Friday	Between the hours of 8pm-8am
Even Number (0,2,4,6,8)	Monday, Thursday	Between the hours of 8pm-8am

Watering Schedule for Sacramento County Water Agency Customers

Addresses Ending In	Watering Days	Permitted Irrigation Time of Day
Odd Number (1,3,5,7,9)	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday	Between the hours of 8pm-8am
Even Number (0,2,4,6,8)	Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	Between the hours of 8pm-8am

Note that these restrictions are not from the City of Elk Grove as we are not a water purveyor. The Elk Grove Water District and the Sacramento County Water Agency are the primary service providers in the Elk Grove area. Each water agency is responsible for determining the level of rationing or restrictions for their service area. More detailed information can be found on the water district websites:

View frequently asked questions about conserving water

Reporting Water Waste

What can the City enforce?

Per the Elk Grove Municipal Code, the City can only enforce the reporting of excess water (running off) into the storm drain. City Code Enforcement can open a case for the runoff portion only. If you have a complaint that meets these parameters, contact Code Enforcement at (916) 687-3023 or by using SeeClickFix.

Who do I report watering day/time violations?

You will need to contact the water purveyor to report a violation for usages on an unauthorized day or time. The City is not authorized to enforce other agencies regulations.

How You Can Help

Tips for Conserving in Your Home and Yard

Around the House

Learn simple habits to help reduce water use inside your home

Fill Bathtub Halfway or Less
Filling up your bathtub halfway or less can save 17-25 gallons of water per person every bath.
Fix Leaks
Fixing leaks inside and outside the home can save 27 to 90 gallons of water each day.
Install Aerators
Installing aerators can save .7 gallons per minute.
Install High-Efficiency Toilets
Installing high-efficiency toilets can save 6-35 gallons per day.
Recycle Indoor Water and Irrigate Your Garden
Recycling indoor water to use outdoors can cut water use by 30%.
Take 5-minute Showers
Keeping showers under 5 minutes can save 12.5 gallons per shower when using a water-efficient showerhead.
Turn Off Water When Brushing Teeth, Shaving
- By turning off the water when brushing teeth or shaving you can save 8 gallons of water per person per day.
Wash Full Loads of Clothes and Dishes
Washer: saves 15–45 gallons per load. Dishwasher: saves 5–15 gallons per load.

Around the Yard

Learn simple habits to help reduce water use outside your home

Use Water-wise Plants
Check with your local water agency on the best plants for your area. It is best to use water-wise, California-native plants when possible.
Install Drip Irrigation & Add a Smart Controller
Installing a drip irrigation system and a smart controller can save 15 gallons each time you water.
Reimagine Your Yard
Feed your vegetables and fruits water first because they feed you! Water-wise plants and shade trees use little or no water once established. Thirsty plants such as lawn and container plants are the lowest priority.
Use a Broom to Clean Outdoor Areas
Using a broom to clean outdoor areas can save 6 gallons every minute.
Use Drought-resistant Trees, Plants
Using drought-resistant plants and trees can save 30–60 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. each time.
Set Mower Blades to 3”
Setting mower blades to three inches or more encourages deeper roots and saves 16–50 gallons per day.
Adjust Sprinkler Heads & Fix Leaks
Saves 12–15 gallons each time you water and a leak about as small as the tip of a ballpoint pen can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month!
Use Mulch
Using mulch can save 20–30 gallons of water per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water.

Converting existing grass or turf with native and drought tolerant landscaping could qualify Sacramento County Water Agency customers for a Cash For Grass rebate program.

Additional Reasons for Conserving Water

Limited Availability

Only 3% of the water on Earth is freshwater while only 0.5% is available for us to drink.

Conserving Energy

Conserving water also reduces the energy that is required to deliver it to communities, thus helping to reduce pollution and conserve fuel resources.

Saving Money

When you make use of simple water conservation techniques, you are saving thousands of gallons of water each year and you will be charged less for it.