Utilities Administration

6040 Vaca Station Road
Elmira, CA 95625

Phone
(707) 469-6400

Fax
(707) 469-6480

Email Utilities

Water Conservation

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Non-Functional Turf Ban
Learn about California’s Assembly Bill 1572 (2023) and the Non-Functional Turf Ban.
Tips and Resources
Water-saving tips and resources to help you meet your water conservation goals.
Regulations and Restrictions
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.
Residential Usage
Learn how to measure your water consumption.

Water Waste Restrictions in Effect

Stage 2 water restrictions are in effect. Residents and businesses are prohibited from using potable water in the following manner:

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.

Urban Water Shortage Contingency Plan

The City is currently in Stage 2 of our Urban Water Shortage Contingency Plan, calling on citizens of Vacaville to voluntarily use water more efficiently. 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 emailing the Utilities Department.
Recommended outdoor irrigation times and days based on zip codes designed to save water. Learn more tips on reducing irrigation.

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.

Drought Resources

FAQs

Can I continue to water my lawn?

Yes. The City has recommended outdoor irrigation times and days, based on zip codes, designed to save water. Customers may review additional tips for efficient irrigation on our conservation tips page.
Can I continue to water my trees?

The recommendations do not restrict, and in fact encourage, customers to continue irrigating their trees efficiently. View more information on watering trees.
Can the City help me repair a leak on my property?

In the event you have a leak on your property (customer side of the meter), City staff is unfortunately not authorized to assist you in repairing the leak or provide any contractor recommendations. We do recommend you reach out to friends, family, and social media for repair services and check back with us to see if you are eligible for a billing credit after the repairs are completed!
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.
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.
Is there a restriction on how much water my household can use?

The City is not currently restricting water use per household. Should there be future reductions to the water supply, residential water restrictions could be implemented.
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.
Will the City be issuing fines for non-compliance?

The City may choose to issue fines for non-compliance with the water waste ordinance on a case by case basis.

More FAQs

Visit conservation tips and rebates to learn more and access resources on using water wisely. Visit the Solano County Water Efficiency to learn more about how you can save water and money!

Vacaville, CA

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Utilities Administration

Water Conservation

Non-Functional Turf Ban

Tips and Resources

Regulations and Restrictions

Rebates and Programs

Education and Outreach

Residential Usage

FAQs