The City relies on groundwater pumped from City owned wells to meet 100% of its potable water demands with the balance of its overall water demands met with eco-friendly recycled water. Nevertheless, our Mediterranean semi-arid climate experiences droughts regularly making water conservation a priority for Southern California residents.

Drought Emergency Regulations in Effect

The City of Downey has drought emergency regulations in effect. These regulations focus on preventing wasteful water uses both during the drought and non-drought conditions and are in response to the governor’s recent statewide Emergency Regulation for urban water conservation and require the City to voluntarily reduce water use by 20%.

Our Commitment to Our Residents

Our City is committed to helping our residents and businesses use water wisely and reduce water waste. We offer many rebates, incentives, tips, and tools to help you start saving today. Call 562-904-7202 for more information.

Residential Watering Requirements

California is in a historic drought with no end in sight. Together we can work to reduce our water use to ensure we have enough water to get us through these dry times. The following residential watering requirements are now in effect.

When is it OK to Water Outdoors

October through April = no more than 2 days/week

May through September = no more than 3 days/week

Customers are encouraged to set a schedule for the days they will be watering.

Set watering run times to a maximum of six minutes per irrigation controller station per watering day.

Exceptions: When hand-held watering container is used, a drip irrigation system is used, or to adjust/repair an irrigation system. Golf courses, agricultural customers and landscape nurseries may exceed requirements with City approval. Outdoor recycled water irrigation is permitted on any day of the week.

The Following are Prohibited and Considered Water Wasteful:

• Allowing water runoff onto adjoining properties, non-irrigated areas, streets, sidewalks, or other hardscape areas 
• Using hose without a shutoff nozzle
• Watering during and within 48-hours after measurable rainfall
• Using potable water to irrigate ornamental turf in public and private street medians
• Filling and refilling pools and spas only permitted between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Using potable water in decorative fountains or ponds except when a water recirculating system is used
• Washing of buildings, facilities, autos, and other types of mobile equipment except with use of handheld bucket or hose with shut off nozzle
• Watering to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios, streets, or other hardscape areas

Water Saving Tips

Did you know that 60% of water use happens outdoors? And, half of that is wasted!

 Start saving water today: 

Outdoors

• Check your home for outdoor water waste coming from leaks
• Correctly program irrigation timers to prevent overwatering
• Install drip irrigation or use a weather-based irrigation controller 

Check out our landscape guidelines and learn how to do a water meter check for more important tips and tools:

• City Landscape Guidelines
• A Drought Tolerant Landscape Guide
• Water Meter Check
• Learn more tips and tools for saving water indoors:
  • Finding Leaks Outdoors

Indoors

• Take a shorter shower – cut your shower time to 5 minutes and save up to 12 gallons of water
• Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes – this can save up to 45 gallons of water
• Fix indoors leaks – small leaks can add up to big waste
• Finding Leaks Indoors 

Rebates

City of Downey water customers can take advantage of several water rebates to help them save water and money. Check out available rebates. 

City Municipal Code

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