Department of Water and Power Conservation Rules, Watering Days, Restrictions and Rebates
If you are trying to understand the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power conservation rules, this guide explains LADWP watering days, outdoor watering hours, runoff restrictions, water waste reporting, hand-watering rules, turf replacement rebates and practical steps to avoid violations.
LADWP customers must follow the City of Los Angeles water conservation rules. The main user questions are usually simple: which days can I water, what time can I water, how long can sprinklers run, how do I report water waste, and where can I get rebates for saving water?
💧 Fastest way to stay compliant
Find your assigned watering days: Use the last number of your street address. Odd = Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Even = Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday.
Water only during allowed hours: Water before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Outdoor watering between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. is prohibited.
Report waste or ask for help: Use the official Report Water Waste page or call 1-800-342-5397.
Department of Water and Power Conservation Quick Facts
LADWP’s current conservation guidance says customers remain under Phase 2 of the Emergency Water Conservation Plan Ordinance, which limits sprinkler watering to three days a week and prohibits wasteful water use.
The most important rules are simple: use your assigned watering days, avoid the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. no-watering window, prevent runoff, repair leaks, do not water during rain or 48 hours after rain, and use a self-closing nozzle when washing vehicles or hand watering.
What This LADWP Conservation and Restrictions Guide Covers
LADWP Watering Days by Street Address
The City of Los Angeles Water Conservation Ordinance uses the last number of your street address to decide sprinkler watering days. This is one of the easiest rules to follow if you set your irrigation controller correctly.
| Street address ending | Allowed sprinkler watering days | Allowed time window |
|---|---|---|
| Odd number | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | Before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. |
| Even number | Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday | Before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. |
| No obvious number | Confirm with LADWP or property management | Follow LADWP guidance before setting timers. |
Use the last number of your service address
Use the physical street address, not the account number, apartment number or mailing ZIP code.
Set your irrigation controller
Program only your assigned days and disable old watering days that no longer apply.
Check each station
Run each sprinkler zone briefly during allowed hours to make sure it is not spraying pavement or creating runoff.
LADWP No-Watering Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LADWP says all outdoor watering is prohibited from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., regardless of your assigned watering day. This rule helps reduce evaporation and visible water waste during the hottest part of the day.
Allowed window
Before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on your assigned sprinkler days.
Cooler hoursNot allowed
Outdoor watering from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is prohibited.
Midday banCheck controller start time
Many systems start before sunrise but continue past 9 a.m. If the last zones run after 9 a.m., shorten the schedule or move the start time earlier.
Avoid late-night overwatering
Evening watering is allowed after 4 p.m., but too much overnight moisture can create runoff, fungus and wasted water.
Use seasonal adjustment
Reduce runtime in cooler months and increase only when plants truly need it, while staying within LADWP rules.
LADWP Sprinkler Restrictions: Runtime, Runoff and Hard Surfaces
Sprinkler watering must stay within assigned days and allowed hours. LADWP also prohibits water runoff onto streets, driveways and gutters, and prohibits watering hard surfaces such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways and parking areas.
Watch one full irrigation cycle
Do not assume the system is fine because plants look healthy. Watch each station and check for overspray, broken heads, tilted nozzles and runoff.
Fix broken or misaligned heads
A single broken sprinkler head can waste enough water to create visible runoff and trigger complaints.
Shorten zones that run onto pavement
If water reaches the street before the zone finishes, reduce runtime, split the cycle or repair the irrigation design.
| Problem | Why it matters | Practical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Runoff into gutter | Prohibited water waste | Shorter cycles, repair heads, improve soil absorption. |
| Spraying sidewalk | Hard-surface watering is prohibited | Adjust nozzle angle or replace head. |
| Broken sprinkler | Leak and water waste risk | Repair quickly and test during allowed hours. |
| Old timer schedule | Wrong day or midday watering | Reprogram controller using address-based days. |
LADWP Hand Watering, Trees and Food Garden Rules
LADWP says hand watering with a self-closing shut-off nozzle is permitted any day before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. This is useful for trees, new climate-appropriate plants, food gardens and stressed landscaping.
Use a self-closing nozzle
Do not leave a hose running unattended. Use a nozzle that shuts off when you release it.
Prioritize trees and permanent plants
Trees are expensive to replace and provide shade. Deep, targeted watering is better than frequent shallow sprinkling.
Water roots, not pavement
Place water where the plant can use it. Avoid spraying sidewalks, fences, driveways and patios.
LADWP Water Waste Rules: What Is Not Allowed?
Water waste rules are not only about watering days. LADWP’s ordinance guidance also prohibits visible waste such as runoff, hard-surface watering, unrepaired leaks, washing vehicles without a self-closing nozzle and watering during rain or within 48 hours after rain.
| Water use | Status | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor watering 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Not allowed | Water before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. |
| Runoff to street/gutter | Not allowed | Fix sprinklers and shorten cycles. |
| Watering sidewalks/driveways | Not allowed | Sweep or use dry cleaning methods. |
| Watering during rain or 48 hours after | Not allowed | Use rain sensor or manually pause timer. |
| Vehicle washing without shut-off nozzle | Not allowed | Use self-closing nozzle or commercial car wash. |
| Unrepaired leaks | Not allowed | Repair leaks quickly and keep proof. |
How to Report Water Waste to LADWP
LADWP’s Water Conservation Response Unit investigates water waste reports. Customers can report waste online, by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP / 1-800-342-5397, or by using MYLA311 Online Services.
Collect exact details
Write down the exact address, date, time and a short description of the water waste. Photos may help if safe and appropriate.
Use official reporting route
Open the official LADWP Report Water Waste page.
Call if needed
Call 1-800-342-5397 if you prefer phone reporting or need guidance.
LADWP Turf Replacement and Water Conservation Rebates
LADWP offers water conservation rebate programs, including turf replacement support for customers replacing traditional lawns with sustainable, low-water-use landscaping. LADWP’s turf replacement page says residential customers can earn rebate support per square foot, and commercial/public customers may have separate rebate levels and rules.
Rebate programs usually require application steps, eligibility review and pre-approval before you remove turf. Do not start demolition before confirming the current program requirements.
Open the official rebate page
Start with LADWP’s official Turf Replacement Rebate page.
Check eligibility before removing lawn
Many rebate programs require pre-approval, photos and project plan review before work begins.
Choose water-wise landscaping
Use California Friendly or climate-appropriate plants, mulch, permeable areas and efficient irrigation.
Save all proof
Keep before photos, approval emails, receipts, plant list, irrigation details and final project photos.
LADWP Conservation Rules for Businesses, HOAs and Property Managers
Commercial properties, HOAs, apartments, restaurants, retail centers and public agencies need a stricter internal process because one irrigation controller can affect multiple addresses, tenants or landscaped areas.
Assign one responsible person
Make one manager responsible for irrigation timers, landscaper instructions, leak reports and LADWP notices.
Give landscapers the rule sheet
Do not assume the gardener knows your exact property schedule. Share assigned days and prohibited hours in writing.
Audit irrigation monthly
Walk the property during an irrigation cycle to check runoff, broken heads, overspray and pavement watering.
Review rebate options
Commercial and public agency rebate amounts may differ from residential programs, so check current LADWP and SoCal Water Smart requirements.
Rain Shutoff, Leak Repair and Runoff Prevention
One of the easiest ways to avoid water waste is to prevent automatic systems from running when the landscape does not need water. Rain sensors, smart controllers, short cycle-and-soak watering and quick leak repair all reduce waste.
| Situation | Best action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rain in forecast | Pause irrigation before rain | Avoid watering during rain or 48 hours after. |
| Water running into gutter | Shorten zones and repair heads | Runoff is prohibited. |
| High water bill | Check toilets, irrigation and meter | Hidden leaks can waste water daily. |
| Brown spots in lawn | Check sprinkler coverage | More runtime may create waste without solving coverage issues. |
Checklist Before Calling LADWP About Conservation or Restrictions
Before calling LADWP, collect the details that help customer support or water conservation staff understand your issue quickly.
| Need | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Watering day question | Full service address and last number of street address. |
| Water waste report | Exact address, date, time and description. |
| Rebate question | Customer type, property address, turf area, project status and photos. |
| Leak/high bill | Account number, bill, meter reading, repair invoice and date leak was fixed. |
| Outage/problem | Address, issue type, start time and callback number. |
What to Say When Contacting LADWP About Restrictions
A clear call or online report helps avoid confusion between conservation rules, water waste reporting, billing, outage and rebate questions.
| Situation | Example wording |
|---|---|
| Watering days | “I need to confirm watering days for this LADWP service address: [address].” |
| Water waste report | “I want to report sprinklers running at [address] at [time], causing runoff onto the street.” |
| Turf rebate | “I want to confirm rebate eligibility before removing turf at [property address].” |
| Leak/high bill | “My water use increased suddenly. I repaired a leak on [date] and need account guidance.” |
| Outage/problem | “I need to report a water/power outage at [address]. It started at [time].” |
LADWP Customer Service Center and Headquarters Map
LADWP’s John Ferraro Building / JFB Lobby Customer Service Center is listed at 111 N. Hope St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. For account-specific questions, conservation reporting, outage reporting or rebate questions, calling or using online forms is usually faster than visiting.
LADWP — John Ferraro Building / Downtown Los Angeles
Use this map for location reference. For water conservation rules, use LADWP online pages first because restrictions and rebate details can change.
Official Department of Water and Power Conservation Resources
Use these official LADWP resources for current conservation rules, watering days, water waste reporting, conservation tips, turf replacement rebates and customer problem reporting.
Water Conservation Ordinance
Current LADWP outdoor watering rules, waste restrictions and ordinance guidance.
Open RestrictionsWater Conservation FAQs
Common LADWP questions about watering days, restrictions and reporting water waste.
Open FAQsReport Water Waste
Submit a water waste report or learn what details LADWP needs.
Report WasteTurf Replacement Rebate
Learn rebate rules for replacing lawn with water-efficient landscaping.
Check RebateWater Conservation Tips
Outdoor and indoor tips to reduce use and follow current restrictions.
Open TipsResidential Water Rebates
Water-saving programs and rebates for LADWP residential customers.
Open RebatesReport a Problem
Report LADWP water or power outages and other account problems.
Report ProblemCustomer Service Centers
Find LADWP service center locations and appointment guidance.
Find CentersLADWP Support
Contact, customer service, billing, outage and account support resources.
Open SupportDepartment of Water and Power Conservation and Restrictions FAQs
What are LADWP watering days in 2026?
LADWP says outdoor watering with sprinklers is limited to three days per week. Odd-numbered street addresses may water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Even-numbered street addresses may water on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
What hours are outdoor watering prohibited?
Outdoor watering is prohibited from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., regardless of the watering day.
Can I hand water plants any day?
Yes, LADWP says hand watering with a self-closing shut-off nozzle is permitted any day before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Can I water during rain or after rain?
No. LADWP says no outdoor watering is allowed during rain or within 48 hours after rain.
How do I report water waste to LADWP?
Use the official LADWP Report Water Waste page, call 1-800-DIAL-DWP / 1-800-342-5397, or use MYLA311. Provide the exact address, date, time and description.
Is watering the sidewalk or driveway allowed?
No. LADWP’s conservation guidance prohibits watering hard surfaces such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways and parking areas, except where official rules provide a specific health or safety exception.
Does LADWP offer turf replacement rebates?
Yes. LADWP provides turf replacement rebate information through its official conservation pages. Customers should apply and receive required approval before removing turf.
Who do I call for a LADWP water or power outage?
Call 1-800-DIAL-DWP / 1-800-342-5397. LADWP’s report-a-problem page says representatives are available 24/7 for outage assistance.
Are commercial properties also covered by LADWP water restrictions?
Yes. Commercial, multifamily, HOA and managed properties should follow LADWP water conservation rules and check current official guidance for any property-specific requirements.
What should I do if my irrigation system causes runoff?
Shorten the sprinkler runtime, repair broken heads, adjust spray direction, use cycle-and-soak scheduling, improve soil absorption and confirm your watering timer is set to allowed days and hours.
Best Way to Follow LADWP Conservation Rules in 2026
The simplest way to stay compliant is to set your irrigation controller by your address: odd addresses water Monday, Wednesday and Friday; even addresses water Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Water only before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m., and stop irrigation during rain and for 48 hours after rain.
Fix leaks quickly, avoid runoff, do not water sidewalks or driveways, use a self-closing nozzle for hand watering or vehicle washing, and check LADWP’s official conservation pages before making landscape or irrigation decisions. For long-term savings, review LADWP turf replacement and water-saving rebate programs before starting a project.
Editorial note: This guide is informational and helps Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers find official conservation, watering restriction, water waste reporting and rebate resources faster. Watering rules, drought phases, rebate amounts, eligibility requirements, outage reporting routes and customer service hours can change, so always confirm final details directly on official LADWP.com, MYLA311 or City of Los Angeles pages before changing irrigation schedules, reporting violations or starting a rebate project.