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City Water Use Restrictions

On April 7, 2017, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. ended the drought state of emergency, while maintaining water reporting requirements and prohibitions on wasteful practices. For questions about these restrictions, please call the Water Conservation Hotline at (650) 558-7612 or email WaterConservation@burlingame.org

City Water Use RestrictionsThe following wasteful water practices are still prohibited:

  • Using a hose without a shut-off nozzle. Hoses can be used to water plants, edible gardens and fruit trees any day of the week, however, we highly encourage you to water in the evenings to minimize the amount of water loss due to evaporation.
  • Watering outdoor landscapes that causes runoff onto streets or sidewalks. Any type of irrigation using potable (drinking) water to run onto adjacent property, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, street/gutters or other paved or non-irrigated areas is prohibited.
  • Watering after rainfall. Do not water outdoor landscapes with potable (drinking) water during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall (0.1 inches or more, usually producing runoff).
  • Using water to wash hard/paved surfaces. Drinking water cannot be used to clean hard surface areas, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, roofs, and awnings except to address immediate health or safety concerns.
  • Using water in a non-recirculating fountain. It is prohibited to use water fountains or other decorative water features unless the water is part of a recirculating system.
  • Serving water at restaurants without customer request.Serve water only upon the customer's request in eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, cafes, cafeterias, bars or other public places where food or drinks are served and/or purchased.
  • Not providing hotel guests the option to reuse towels and linens. Hotel and motel operators must provide guests with the option of NOT having towels and linens laundered daily; hotels must post notification of water shortage conditions in rooms.

Additional ways to conserve water:

  • Take your car to a commercial car wash facility. We encourage you to either wash your car on your lawn (water it at the same time!) or support a local car wash business, where water is generally recycled. Go to http://www.flowstobay.org/carwash for coupons at local businesses.
  • Use a pool cover. If you have a swimming pool, consider using a pool cover to avoid water loss due to evaporation.
  • Fix broken or defective plumbing immediately. Broken or defective plumbing, sprinklers, or irrigation systems that permit the escape or leakage of potable (drinking) water must be repaired within 24 hours of the discovery of the defect or leak. If it cannot be repaired within a reasonable period, contact the City at (650) 558-7612. Regardless, isolate the leak immediately.

Report Water Waste and Help Conserve Water in Our Community 
If you want to report a water restriction violation or have any questions about water conservation, please call our Water Conservation Hotline at (650) 558-7612 or email us at WaterConservation@burlingame.org.