Encinitas Residents asked to step up and conserve water

Posted on: June 26th, 2022
As California enters its third consecutive dry year, following the driest January to March period in the State of California’s recorded history, Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Water Resources Control Board took steps to drive water conservation at the local level. Local water suppliers have been called on to act and conserve water across all sectors.

In response, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District and San Dieguito Water District are asking Encinitas residents to step-up and help Californians across the state manage the drought. The water districts strongly encourage their customers to follow these conservation actions:

San Dieguito Water District Logo
Olivenhain Water District Logo
Landscape watering conservation actions:

  • Limit landscape watering to three or less assigned days per week:
  • Odd-numbered addresses: water on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Even-numbered addresses: water on Saturdays, Monday and Wednesdays
  • Limit effects of evaporation by watering before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
  • Limit landscape irrigation with sprinklers to 10 minutes or less per water station, per assigned day
  • Turn off water during rain and for 48 hours after
  • Cut down on water waste from inefficient watering such as runoff or overspray
  • Reduce water for landscapes and car washes by using a container such as a bucket or watering can, and a hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation
  • Do not use potable water to irrigate non-functional turf (not regularly used for human recreational purposes, community events or sports) at commercial, industrial and institutional sites

General water conservation actions:

  • Do not wash down paved or hard surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways and parking lots with potable water, except when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards
  • Repair all water leaks within 72 hours of detection or notification
  • Stop operation of decorative fountains unless re-circulated or recycled water is used
  • Serve and refill water in restaurants and food service establishments only upon request
  • Offer guests in lodging establishments the option of not laundering towels and linens daily
  • Use recycled or non-potable water for construction purposes when feasible

Please visit watersmartsd.org for water-saving rebates or incentives for your home or business.

For complimentary, site-specific water-saving recommendations from a certified irrigation professional, please visit or email your water district below.

Since the challenging drought of the early 1990s, the San Diego region has made investments in conservation programs and a diverse portfolio of drought-resilient water supplies. As a result, the region has conserved substantial amounts of water and has sufficient water supplies for 2022 and the foreseeable future.