Water Conservation

On May 22, 2023, the City of Seal Beach City Council declared an end to the Level 2 Water Supply Shortage and returned to Level 0 (Normal Water Supply Conditions) in response to the State's improved water supply conditions and the Governor’s Executive Order N-5-23. As a result, outdoor watering in the City of Seal Beach is no longer limited to 3 days per week on an assigned schedule.

All water customers are encouraged to make conservation a way of life and are required to comply with the City's permanent water conservation requirements. The State's ban on using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, industrial and institutional sites remains in effect.

Permanent Mandatory Water Conservation Measures

Seal Beach has permanent water conservation requirements in place to promote the efficient use of water and reduce or eliminate the waste of water in the City. These requirements are in effect at all times and additional requirements may be implemented in response to water shortages. For complete details refer to SBMC 9.37.


  • Outdoor watering is prohibited between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
  • Watering is limited to no more than 15 minutes per station per day.
  • Outdoor watering that causes more than incidental water runoff is prohibited.
  • Watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited.
  • No washing down of hard or paved surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, patios, etc., except when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary hazards.
  • Leaks, breaks or malfunctions must be fixed within 7 days of discovery.
  • Fountains and decorative water features must use recirculated water.
  • Washing of vehicles is prohibited, except with the use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or at a commercial car wash.
  • The City is prohibited from watering ornamental turf on public street medians.
  • Restaurants serve water to customers only upon request.
  • The installation of non-recirculating water systems in connection with commercial conveyor car wash and commercial laundry systems is prohibited.
  • The installation of single pass cooling systems is prohibited.

    • WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS REPORT

    Click here to view the most recent Water Supply Conditions Report produced by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

    CALIFORNIA RESERVOIR CONDITIONS

    California’s major reservoir conditions are updated daily. Visit the California Data Exchange Center to stay informed.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Seal Beach has three Municipal Codes regulating the use of water? Before you decide to clean that patio or re-landscape your yard, please familiarize yourself with the City's water saving and water quality codes.

    SBMC 9.35 Water
    SBMC 9.37 Water Shortage Contingency Response
    SBMC 9.70 Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance

    CALIFORNIA FRIENDLY WATERING RESOURCES AND REBATES

    There are several Water Use Efficiency Rebate Programs for both residents and commercial businesses. For water saving programs and rebates visit www.ocwatersmart.com. Rebate funding is limited and subject to availability. 

    Explore beautiful, sustainable, climate-appropriate, drought-tolerant plants, trees, and grass that thrive in Orange County. Visit     www.ocwatersmartgardens.com for garden inspiration and information. With a click of a button, add your favorite plants to a private list that you can print and take to your favorite nursery.