Long Beach CA Water Restrictions 2026

Current water restrictions in Long Beach, California

Long Beach is under mandatory Level 1 Conservation restrictions, limiting outdoor irrigation to 2 days per week with no watering allowed between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Long Beach Water — the city's municipal utility operating under the Long Beach Water Department — is enforcing these restrictions in response to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Level 1 conservation notice issued in March 2026. MWD triggered that notice after the State Water Project allocation was cut to just 30%, reflecting the fourth consecutive below-average precipitation year across Southern California. Long Beach draws a significant portion of its supply through MWD, which makes the agency's allocation decisions directly binding on local usage rules.

Los Angeles has operated under a permanent Level 1 since 2022, and Long Beach's current designation aligns with the regional response to ongoing imported water shortfalls. The restrictions are mandatory — not voluntary — and remain in effect until conditions improve, with no fixed end date announced.

Practically speaking: if you live at an odd-numbered address in Long Beach, you may water on Tuesdays and Saturdays. If you live at an even-numbered address, your days are Wednesdays and Sundays. In both cases, you may not run sprinklers or irrigation between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on those days. So a resident at an even-numbered address wanting to water their garden on a Wednesday morning would need to finish before 9 a.m. or wait until after 4 p.m. Watering on any other day of the week — regardless of the time — is a violation under the current mandate. Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle and drip irrigation are generally exempt from the day and time restrictions.

For the most current status and any phase changes, visit lbwater.org.

Long Beach's watering days and hours

Your watering days in Long Beach are determined by whether your street address number is odd or even. The schedule below covers the key rules currently in effect under the Level 1 Conservation mandate.

Rule	Details
Days per week	2
Day assignment	Odd addresses: Tuesday and Saturday; Even addresses: Wednesday and Sunday
Allowed hours	Before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. only
Hand watering	Exempt — shut-off nozzle required at all times
Drip irrigation	Exempt from day and hour restrictions
New sod or seed	Typically a 30-day establishment watering window — register with Long Beach Water before installing

Address assignment is based on the primary street number of your property as listed in the Long Beach Water billing system. If your home's address ends in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9, you are on the odd schedule (Tuesday/Saturday). If it ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8, you fall on the even schedule (Wednesday/Sunday). Corner lots with two possible address numbers should use the address listed on the water account — contact Long Beach Water directly at lbwater.org if there is any ambiguity.

Multi-family residential properties and commercial accounts are subject to the same odd/even framework based on their billing address. Large commercial properties with multiple meters or irrigation accounts should verify each meter's address assignment separately, as different zones of a large parcel may technically fall under different numbers depending on how they are registered. Long Beach Water can confirm the assignment for each account.

Long Beach's Mediterranean-influenced climate supports trees that require deep, infrequent watering even during restrictions — and those trees often take priority over turf. Canary Island date palms (Phoenix canariensis), widely planted throughout Long Beach's residential neighborhoods, are highly drought-tolerant once established but can suffer crown damage without at least monthly deep irrigation. Jacaranda trees (Jacaranda mimosifolia), common along streets in Bixby Knolls and other neighborhoods, have moderate water needs during dry summers. Coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), planted in parkways and larger lots, are deep-rooted and prefer slow drip over any overhead irrigation — a strong argument for running drip lines on those trees year-round regardless of schedule restrictions.

Violation fines and enforcement

Long Beach Water issues a written warning for a first violation. Subsequent violations result in escalating fines. The current penalty structure under Level 1 is as follows:

Offense	Penalty
First violation	Written warning — no monetary fine
Second violation	Monetary fine (amount set by Long Beach Water rate schedule)
Third and subsequent	Escalating fines; potential flow restrictor installation

Long Beach Water enforces restrictions through a combination of field patrols by water conservation staff and a customer complaint system. Residents can report violations through the Long Beach Water website at lbwater.org. The department has expanded its use of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) — often called smart meters — which allows staff to identify usage patterns inconsistent with the allowed schedule without requiring a physical site visit. Accounts showing significant irrigation flow during prohibited hours or on non-allowed days can be flagged automatically for follow-up.

If you receive a warning or fine you believe was issued in error — for example, if you were hand watering with a shut-off nozzle or running an exempt drip system — Long Beach Water has an appeals process through its customer service division. Document your irrigation system type and schedule before contacting the department. Response times for complaint-based reports are typically within a few business days during active conservation periods.

Other outdoor water rules

Irrigation scheduling is not the only outdoor water rule in effect. Long Beach Water's Level 1 restrictions also cover a range of other common outdoor uses. Given the city's density, large number of residential pools, and year-round warm temperatures that drive evaporation, pool and car washing rules are among the most practically relevant for Long Beach households.

• Swimming pools and spas: Filling or refilling pools is restricted. Topping off to replace evaporation loss is permitted, but draining and refilling is not allowed during Level 1 without a waiver. Pool covers are strongly encouraged to reduce evaporation — Long Beach Water has offered rebates on pool covers through conservation programs.
• Car washing: Washing a vehicle at home is only permitted using a hand-held hose with a self-closing shut-off nozzle. Running an open hose is prohibited. Commercial car washes that recirculate water are allowed.
• Pressure washing: Pressure washing of driveways, sidewalks, or hardscapes using potable water is prohibited except to address an immediate health or safety hazard.
• Decorative fountains: Operation of decorative fountains or water features that do not recirculate water is prohibited. Recirculating systems may continue to operate.
• Restaurants: Restaurants and other food service establishments may not serve water to customers unless specifically requested — a rule in effect under MWD's regional Level 1 guidance.
• Construction water: Dust control and compaction water use at construction sites must use recycled water where it is available in the service area.

How Long Beach gets its water

Long Beach receives its water from two primary sources: imported water delivered by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and local groundwater pumped from the Central Basin Municipal Water District service area underlying much of the Los Angeles coastal plain.

MWD imports water from two major systems. The first is the State Water Project (SWP), which delivers water from the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta via the California Aqueduct — a 444-mile conveyance that terminates at Lake Perris in Riverside County, from which MWD distributes water to member agencies including Long Beach. The second is the Colorado River Aqueduct, which draws from Lake Havasu on the Arizona-California border and delivers Colorado River water west to MWD's Joseph Jensen Filtration Plant in Granada Hills and the Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant in Yorba Linda, among other facilities. Both treatment plants process water that ultimately reaches Long Beach through MWD's regional transmission system.

For local groundwater, Long Beach Water pumps from the West Coast Basin and the Central Basin, both managed under adjudicated rights and monitored by the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD). These basins are recharged artificially at spreading grounds in Montebello and through injection wells designed to maintain a seawater intrusion barrier along the coast — a critical protection given that Long Beach sits at the edge of the Pacific and saltwater intrusion into the aquifer is an ongoing risk.

Long Beach Water also operates the Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant, which produces recycled water (Title 22 tertiary-treated) used for industrial cooling and certain non-potable applications in the harbor and industrial areas. Expansion of the recycled water distribution system has been a priority for the department as a buffer against imported water shortfalls like the current SWP allocation cut to 30%.

HOA and brown lawn protections

California homeowners have explicit statutory protection against HOA fines for brown or dormant lawns during mandatory water restrictions. California Government Code § 65595 (strengthened by subsequent legislation including provisions under the broader urban water management framework) prohibits a homeowner association from fining or penalizing a member for reducing or eliminating irrigation of vegetation during any period when a water supplier has declared a drought emergency or mandatory water restrictions. Long Beach Water's current Level 1 mandatory conservation designation qualifies as such a period.

Additionally, AB 2100 reinforced California's framework preventing HOAs from enforcing any rule that would require a homeowner to maintain landscaping in a way that conflicts with local water restrictions. If your HOA is threatening action over a brown lawn, dead grass, or reduced irrigation frequency while Long Beach Water's Level 1 mandate is active, those threats are not enforceable under California law.

Use the following as a template response to your HOA:

"I am writing in response to your notice regarding the appearance of my lawn/landscaping. Please be advised that Long Beach Water has issued a mandatory Level 1 Conservation restriction, limiting outdoor irrigation to two days per week. Under California Government Code § 65595 and AB 2100, homeowner associations are prohibited from fining or penalizing members for reduced or eliminated irrigation during periods of mandatory water conservation declared by the local water supplier. My landscaping practices are in compliance with the current Long Beach Water mandatory restrictions. I respectfully request that this matter be closed without further action."

Keep a copy of the current restriction notice from lbwater.org attached to any correspondence with your HOA.

Keeping your lawn alive on restricted water

Long Beach's climate is Mediterranean — dry summers, mild winters, and intense sun that accelerates soil moisture loss. The grasses that perform best under these conditions, and that can survive a 2-day-per-week irrigation schedule, vary significantly in their drought tolerance. The table below covers only grasses relevant to Long Beach's climate zone.

Grass Type	Drought Tolerance	Survives 2x/Week Watering?	Notes
Bermudagrass	High	Yes	Goes dormant and browns but recovers; deep roots tolerate dry periods well
Tall Fescue	Moderate	Yes, with deep watering	Popular in Long Beach yards; does best with long, infrequent irrigation rather than frequent shallow watering
UC Verde Buffalograss	Very High	Yes	Native-adapted variety bred at UC Davis; extremely low water demand once established; increasingly popular for turf conversions
Hybrid Bermuda (e.g., Tifway 419)	High	Yes	Common on Long Beach parks and athletic fields; handles heat and restricted watering better than common Bermuda

Under the current 2-day schedule, the most important adjustment Long Beach homeowners can make is shifting from short, frequent irrigation cycles to longer, deeper ones on their allowed days. Sandy loam soils common in parts of Long Beach drain quickly, so running sprinklers for 20–30 minutes per zone rather than 10 allows water to penetrate 6–8 inches — the root zone where it matters. Set mowing height for Tall Fescue to 3–3.5 inches during summer; taller blades shade the soil, slow evaporation, and reduce water stress between allowed watering days.

For homeowners considering a permanent reduction in water demand, Long Beach Water's SoCal Water$mart turf replacement rebate program offers payments for removing water-intensive grass and replacing it with drought-tolerant landscaping or permeable hardscape. The rebate has historically been structured per square foot of turf removed. Replacing a standard front lawn of Tall Fescue with native groundcovers or decomposed granite with drought-adapted planting can reduce outdoor water use by 50–70%, which significantly reduces exposure to future restriction tightening if MWD escalates beyond Level 1.

Long Beach water restriction FAQ

What days can I water if I live at an odd-numbered address in Long Beach?

If your Long Beach Water account address ends in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), your allowed watering days are Tuesday and Saturday. You must water before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on those days. Watering on any other day of the week is a violation of the current Level 1 mandatory restrictions, regardless of the time of day.

What days can I water if I live at an even-numbered address in Long Beach?

Even-numbered addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) are assigned Wednesday and Sunday as allowed watering days. The same prohibited hours apply: no irrigation between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are unsure which number your account is registered under — particularly for corner lots or recently subdivided parcels — contact Long Beach Water through lbwater.org to confirm.

Does Long Beach Water use smart meters to detect watering violations?

Yes. Long Beach Water has deployed advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) across much of its service area. These meters transmit near-real-time consumption data that allows department staff to identify irrigation occurring during prohibited hours or on non-allowed days without requiring a field inspection. An account showing consistent water flow between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., or on days outside the assigned schedule, can be flagged for enforcement follow-up. This is not a theoretical risk — smart meter enforcement is an active part of how Long Beach Water monitors compliance during conservation periods.

Can I wash my car at home in Long Beach right now?

Yes, but only using a hand-held hose fitted with a self-closing shut-off nozzle. Letting water run continuously from an open hose while washing a vehicle is prohibited under Level 1 restrictions. Commercial car washes that use water recirculation systems are permitted. Bucket washing is also allowed. If you use a hose without a shut-off nozzle, that is a citable violation even if you are washing on your assigned watering day.

Can I fill or top off my swimming pool in Long Beach during Level 1?

Topping off a pool to replace evaporation loss is permitted. However, draining and refilling a pool is prohibited during the current Level 1 mandatory conservation period. If your pool requires draining for repairs or resurfacing, contact Long Beach Water to request a waiver before proceeding. Using a pool cover is strongly recommended — an uncovered pool in Long Beach's climate can lose 1–1.5 inches of water per week to evaporation alone during summer months, which compounds the conservation challenge significantly.

What rebates does Long Beach Water offer for removing my lawn?

Long Beach Water participates in the SoCal Water$mart turf replacement program, administered through MWD and available to Long Beach Water customers. The rebate pays per square foot of qualifying water-intensive turf removed and replaced with drought-tolerant plants, mulch, or permeable hardscape. Rebate amounts and availability are subject to annual funding levels — check lbwater.org or the SoCal Water$mart portal for the current per-square-foot rate and application requirements. Reservations typically fill quickly when MWD replenishes program funding.

Is drip irrigation exempt from the 2-day-per-week schedule?

Yes. Drip irrigation systems are exempt from both the day restrictions and the prohibited hours under Long Beach Water's Level 1 rules. Because drip systems deliver water directly to the root zone with minimal evaporation loss, they are treated as efficient-use technology under California's urban water conservation framework. Micro-spray systems that function similarly to overhead sprinklers are not exempt and remain subject to the full schedule. If you are uncertain whether your system qualifies, Long Beach Water's conservation staff can assess it.

What happens if Long Beach escalates to Level 2 conservation?

If MWD issues a Level 2 conservation notice — which would occur if State Water Project allocations are cut further or Colorado River deliveries decrease — Long Beach Water would be required to tighten local restrictions accordingly. A Level 2 designation typically reduces outdoor irrigation to one day per week and may add additional prohibitions on uses currently permitted under Level 1. There is no announced timeline for escalation, but the current 30% SWP allocation and the fourth consecutive below-average precipitation year mean the situation bears monitoring. Sign up for alerts through lbwater.org to receive notice of any phase changes before they take effect.

What time can I water in Long Beach?

Watering is allowed Not 9am-4pm. Watering outside these hours is a violation even on your assigned day.

What are the fines for watering violations in Long Beach?

First offense: Warning first. Repeat violations: Fines. Contact Long Beach Water for the full enforcement schedule.

When will water restrictions end in Long Beach?

Current Level 1 Conservation restrictions are in effect through Until conditions improve. Monitor https://www.lbwater.org for the latest status.

Can I hand water during Long Beach water restrictions?

Yes. Hand watering with a hose fitted with a shut-off nozzle is generally allowed on any day during permitted hours. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are also typically exempt from the day-of-week schedule. Confirm specifics with Long Beach Water.

How do I report a water waste violation in Long Beach?

Contact Long Beach Water or visit https://www.lbwater.org. Most utilities accept online reports and respond within 48 hours.