Water Conservation

Stage 1 Water Watch

Due to significant improvements to water supplies and updated statewide water conservation regulations, the City of La Palma is now in a Stage 1 Water Watch, reduced from the previous Stage 2 Water Alert. Effective immediately, customers may now water outdoor landscaping up to three days per week within the schedule below. 

Irrigation is prohibited between 9 AM and 6 PM. Washing of vehicles permitted only on designated watering days. Filling or refilling of pools only on designated watering days.


Last Address NumberSUNMONTUESWEDTHURFRISAT
Even Numbers

X
X
X
Odd NumbersX

X
X
City Facilities
X
X
X


For example, using the last number in the address number, “7821” Walker Street would use the number 1 (odd number), and can water anytime from Wednesday after 6 PM until Thursday 9 AM, again on Sunday after 6 PM until Monday 9 AM, and lastly on Friday, for up to 15 minutes per station per day. In addition: 


  • Watering is limited to 15 minutes per station, per day unless you are using a low flow drip, weather based controllers, stream rotor or other high efficiency sprinkler.
  • Washing of vehicles shall be on designated watering days between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM the following morning. Water hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut off device.
  • Filling or refilling of swimming pools, spas or ponds shall be between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM the following morning. All swimming pools and spas, when not in use, shall be covered with an appropriate cover designed to minimize evaporation losses in order to be entitled to fill or refill.
  • Watering of parks, school grounds, and recreational fields shall be on designated watering days between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM the following morning.
  • Use of water from fire hydrants is limited to firefighting, construction, or other activities needed to maintain public health and safety.
  • All leaks, breaks or other malfunctions shall be repaired promptly upon discovery or within two days of notification. If you need additional assistance, please call 714-690-3310.

Saving Water Outdoors

  • Running your sprinklers during the day will result in unnecessary water loss from evaporation, due to the higher heat during the day.
  • Adjust your sprinkler timer to reduce the number of minutes that each station runs to reduce the amount of runoff that comes off your lawn and onto sidewalks and gutters. Make sure your sprinklers are adjusted to reduce wasting water on paved surfaces.
  • Water your plants deeply enough for the roots to grow deep into the soil. Deeply rooted lawns and plants will be more resistant to drought and require less frequent watering.
  • Use mulches and composts to help build healthy soils and retain soil moisture, allowing for longer periods between irrigation while conserving hundreds of gallons per month.
  • Washing of cars, trailers, and boats should only be done on your designated watering days using a bucket and/or hose with automatic shut-off nozzle for quick rinses.
  • Water should not be used to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, or other paved surfaces. This wasted water washes pollutants like oil, brake dust, and other contaminants into the storm drain system and eventually into our waterways and ocean.
  • Learn about California Friendly Landscapes through the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC).

Saving Water Indoors

La Palma resident can do their part to help save water by implementing these easy to follow, -no cost- steps to achieving water savings:

  • Take shorter showers. They typically use 5 to 8 gallons per minute. Install water-saving shower head. Free water-saving shower heads are available at City Hall to all La Palma residents, while supplies last.
  • Don’t run the tap when brushing your teeth or use your toilet as a disposal unit to flush used tissue or other debris.
  • Run the dishwasher or washing machine only when it is full. A dishwasher can help you conserve because it only uses 9 to 12 gallons of water, while hand washing can use up to 20 gallons.
  • Refrigerate drinking water instead of running the faucet until water runs cool.
  • Repair your leaks, the American Water Works Association estimates that leaks account for an average of 22 gallons of water per household per day.
  • Check toilets for leaks. This is the most common indoor problem that we experience. A leaking toilet can waste up to 4,000 gallons a year and a new high efficiency toilet can save as much as six gallons per flush.

How to Read & Use My Water Meter

Use your water meter to manage your water use and identify possible leaks.

 Additional Resources