Utilities Administration

6040 Vaca Station Road
Elmira, CA 95625

Phone
(707) 469-6400

Water Conservation

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Conservation Tips
Water-saving tips and resources to help you meet your water conservation goals.
Regulations
Stay up to date with the State's current policies and requirements.
Rebates and Programs
Discounts, resources, and tools for saving water.
Education and Outreach
Learn more about student and teacher water use education and programs.
Drought Resources
Up to date drought information including interactive maps.

In May 2024, water customers used 9.8% less water than in May of 2020. Cumulatively through May 2024, we have used 14.4% less water than over the same period in 2020. *2020 is the State baseline year designated for target reduction purposes.

GOVERNOR EASES DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS

On March 24, 2023 Governor Newsom rolled back a number of drought emergency restrictions, including the call for Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15%. However, the Governor is continuing to encourage Californians to make water conservation a way of life. As such, the state and local bans on wasteful water uses, such as irrigation of non-functional commercial turf, will remain in effect.

Residents shall continue to be prohibited from

Hosing off sidewalks, driveways and other hardscapes.
Washing vehicles, equipment, structures or other items with hoses not equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
Using non-recirculated water in a fountain or other decorative water feature.
Irrigation in a manner that causes runoff.
Irrigation during, or within 48 hours of, measurable precipitation.

Commercial and public property owners shall be prohibited from irrigating non-functional or decorative turf.

The City will remain in Stage 2 of our Urban Water Shortage Contingency Plan, calling on citizens of Vacaville to voluntarily use water more efficiently. The City’s hydrant flushing program has been reinstated in order to maintain water quality. Download a flyer summarizing the Stage 2 regulations. The regulations include the following elements.

Restriction of specified water waste activities. City staff will be monitoring and responding to reports of water waste. Residents may report observed water waste by calling 707-469-6400 or by email at sourcecontrol@cityofvacaville.com.
Recommended outdoor irrigation times and days based on zip codes designed to save water. View more tips on reducing irrigation.
Restriction of irrigation of non-functional turf on commercial and public properties. Commercial customers were sent a flyer outlining the application of the non-functional turf irrigation restrictions.
Continued education and outreach on how to save water indoors and outdoors and resources, rebates and incentives available to Vacaville water customers for saving water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the City be issuing fines for non-compliance?

Is there a restriction on how much water my household can use?

How does the non-functional turf irrigation restriction impact commercial water use?

Irrigation of non-functional or decorative turf is prohibited on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, including common areas of HOAs. Parks, sports fields, and turf that is used for recreational or community purposes are exempt from this restriction. Exceptions may also be granted for turf that is being irrigated efficiently. This restriction does not prohibit the irrigation of trees.

Can I continue to water my lawn?

Can I continue to water my trees?

How much water does the average Vacaville household use?

Vacaville’s average household water use is about 450 gallons daily, with higher use in the summer and lower use in the winter. This meets the State Water Conservation Act requirement to reduce our water use by 20% by 2020. However, due to the ongoing dry winter conditions, the governor is calling upon residents to further save water up to 20% from their 2020 water use. Present and projected water supply is such that it is not necessary to go beyond Stage 2 at this time.

Why does residential and commercial building and development continue despite drought conditions? At what stage could development be restricted?

Commercial water use is considerably lower than household water use. Current development activity was approved prior to the current drought restrictions. New developments must conform to the City’s water efficient landscape ordinance (WELO) which requires water efficient landscaping designed to restrict outdoor irrigation (the vast majority of household water use).

Restrictions on residential construction can be implemented at Stage 4 or higher depending on water supply conditions.

Can the City help me repair a leak on my property?

Does the City have a greywater program?

The City currently does not have a greywater program but is looking into the possibilities of establishing a pilot program. Because there are public health issues associated with the use of greywater, it will be important to ensure that the right plumbing components are utilized to transport the gray water from the washing machine inside the home to an outdoor garden that can receive the water. Also, the resident will be required to undergo specific training in the installation and usage of the greywater system.

We will continue to provide the latest information as it becomes available on the possible use of greywater on outdoor gardens and landscapes.

For more information and resources on using water wisely please visit our conservation tips and rebates pages or call us at (707) 469-6400. You can also visit the Solano County Water Efficiency site as well as click on any of the Save Our Water links throughout our website to learn more about how you can save water and money!

Vacaville, CA

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Utilities Administration

Water Conservation

Conservation Tips

Regulations

Rebates and Programs

Education and Outreach

Drought Resources

GOVERNOR EASES DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions