California has experienced heavy rainfall and atmospheric rivers in 2023, but that doesn’t take away from the need to save water every day, as the Golden State is known for prolonged periods of drought.

Water Conservation Information

The City of San Bruno is committed to ensuring a reliable supply of safe, clean water to the faucets of every home and business we serve.

After reviewing the impact of 2023’s rainstorms and local water supply conditions, On May 23, 2023, San Bruno rolled back from Stage 2 to Stage 1 of our Water Shortage Contingency Plan. In Stage 1, there are no longer irrigation day restrictions on outdoor irrigation, but other restrictions may remain in place.

While we are thankful for all of the precipitation that we have received this year and the water savings our customers have achieved, we remind our customers that it is still important to use water wisely and make conservation a way of life, as our changing climate will bring more dry years in the future.

Additional Information

Water Shortage Contingency Plan Stage 1

San Bruno implements policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 10 percent

• Leak repairs must be made in a timely manner
• Shut-off nozzles are required when using a hose to wash a car
• Outdoor watering is prohibited within 48 hours of rain

Water Shortage Contingency Plan Stage 2

San Bruno implements policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 20 percent

• Restrict or prohibit runoff from landscape irrigation limit landscape irrigation to specific times/days
• No irrigation between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • Irrigation schedule:
  • Odd addresses: Monday & Thursday
    • Even addresses: Tuesday & Friday
    • Non-numerical addresses: Monday & Thursday
  • 15-minute irrigation limit
  • No irrigation 48-hours following rain event
• Repair leaks & breaks within 10 days
• Require automatic hose shut-off devices
• Prohibit potable water use for washing hard surfaces
• Prohibit potable water use for ornamental turf (commercial sites)

Quick Links

Emergency Regulations Documents:

• California State Water Board Media Release:  "State Water Board Adopts Emergency Water Conservation Regulation, Regulation to Boost Water Savings Starting in June" (May 24, 2022)
• Frequently Asked Questions (February 28, 2022)
• Preguntas Frecuentes (February 28, 2022)
• Press Release: State Water Board adopts emergency water use regulations to boost drought resilience (January 4, 2022)
• Resolution with Adopted Text of Emergency Regulation (adopted January 4, 2022)
• City of San Bruno 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (November 2021)
• Proclamation of a State of Emergency (October 19, 2021)

Water Conservation:

• San Bruno Top 10 Water Conservation Tips (PDF)
• Environmental Protection Agency: Water Conservation
• Water Rebate Opportunities
• Water Saving Tips
• Fast Facts on Water Conservation