Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures
In 2014, the Oxnard City Council declared a Stage 2 Water shortage condition within the City and adopted water conservation measures and later the following year made additional modifications to the required actions. The State of California declared the drought over and lifted the emergency requirements in 2017. Since then, Oxnard has continued to promote water conservation measures and prohibit water waste in recognition of persistent locally dry conditions.
Residents, commercial establishments, municipal customers, and schools are still required to follow these measures:
- Watering of lawns, ornamental turf, trees, shrubs, vegetation, landscape and other outside irrigation is prohibited except between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. during daylight savings time, no more than twice a week.
- Use of a hand held hose with positive shut-off nozzle, bucket, or micro irrigation systems/equipment is encouraged. Exceptions to allow for irrigation outside of the designated periods include (1) watering of newly installed, drought-tolerant landscapes for up to 1 year after planting, and (2) hand watering of potted plants or stressed vegetation with use of a container (e.g., bucket or watering can) or a hose fitted with a shut-off valve.
- Watering Schedule
Odd numbered addresses (Ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Sundays and Thursdays ONLY
Even numbered addresses (Ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Saturdays and Wednesdays ONLY
No watering between 9 a.m and 4 p.m. (non-daylight savings time)
No watering between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. (daylight savings time)
- Irrigation of park and school ground areas with potable water will only be permitted during the twice weekly designated irrigation periods noted in the irrigation schedule and only if necessary. Sport activity fields may irrigate more frequently, but only as necessary to maintain playing surface quality.
Any use of water that causes runoff to occur beyond the immediate vicinity of use is prohibited. (No wet pavement.)
- Application of potable water to landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited.
Irrigation is permitted for ground cover for fire protection purposes and erosion control.
The use of running water from a hose, pipe, or faucet to clean buildings, pavement, tile, wood, plastic, driveways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces, is prohibited, except for compelling public health and safety reasons. If allowed, a hose with a positive shut-off nozzle must be used.
Irrigation of newly constructed home and building exteriors with potable water is prohibited unless drip or microspray systems are used.
Boats and vehicles shall be washed only at commercial wash facilities that recycle their wash water; or by use of a bucket and hose equipped with a self-closing valve that requires operator pressure to activate the flow of water; or by mobile high pressure/low volume professional services.
Watering to maintain the level of water in swimming pools shall occur only when necessary. A pool cover shall be used to conserve water when the pool is not in use. Draining of pools or refilling shall be done only for health or safety reasons.
The use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature is prohibited, except where the water is part of a recirculating system.
Operators of hotels, motels, and other commercial establishments offering lodgings shall post in each room a notice of water shortage conditions, encouraging water conservation practices.
All restaurants that provide table service shall post, in a conspicuous place, a notice of water shortage conditions and shall refrain from serving water except upon specific request by a customer.
The Water Division of Public Works offers water conservation programs to residents and businesses. To learn more and to apply for rebates/incentives, visit bewaterwise.com.
Report water waste and leaks
Online at 311.OXNARD.ORG
Water Service Center
(non-emergency issues during business hours)
Phone (805) 385-8136
Fax (805) 385-8137
Water Emergency (24 hours)
Phone (805) 207-0603
Wastewater Emergency
Phone (805) 385-3517
(business hours)
Phone (805) 797-7598
(after hours)
Business Hours
Monday – Thursday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Alternate Fridays 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Last updated October 23, 2019