Pasadena Implements Two-Day-Per-Week Summer Watering Schedule

The Benson House in Pasadena (Photo – Staff)

In an ongoing effort to conserve water and protect local resources, the City of Pasadena has announced that the two-day-per-week summer outdoor irrigation schedule will remain in effect.

By News Desk

This measure is part of the city’s Level 2 Water Supply Shortage Plan, which aims to reduce water consumption during warmer months and ensure the sustainability of Pasadena’s water supply.

New Watering Restrictions

Effective through October 31, outdoor watering will be limited to two days per week.

• Residents with even-numbered addresses may water on Mondays and Thursdays.
• Residents with odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Additional Guidelines:

• Watering must occur before 9:00 am. or after 6:00 pm.
• Property owners must repair leaks, breaks, or sprinkler malfunctions within 48 hours of discovery or notification by Pasadena Water and Power (PWP).
• Refilling ornamental lakes or ponds is prohibited unless necessary to support aquatic life.
• The watering schedule applies to all residential properties, including multi-family complexes (apartments, condominiums).

Permanent Water Waste Prohibitions Remain in Effect

Alongside the summer watering schedule, the following Permanent Water Waste Prohibitions remain year-round:

• No outdoor watering between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, unless using a hand-held container or hose with a shut-off nozzle.
• No watering during or within 48 hours after significant rainfall.
• Watering that causes runoff onto neighboring properties, roadways, or structures is prohibited.
• Excessive water flow or runoff onto pavement or gutters is not allowed.

Exemptions to the Restrictions

Certain activities are exempt from restrictions, as outlined in the Pasadena Municipal Code, including:

• Irrigation zones using low-flow drip systems with emitters that produce no more than 2 gallons of water per hour.
• Watering with hand-held buckets or hoses equipped with shut-off nozzles.
• Brief watering for system adjustments or repairs.
• Watering to maintain trees, fruits, and shrubs intended for consumption.
• Irrigation for fire protection purposes.

Ongoing Water Conservation Efforts

Pasadena has been a leader in water conservation efforts for over a decade, implementing its Water Waste Ordinance as early as 2009. The city’s water supply shortage plan includes four levels of restrictions based on the severity of the water shortage. Pasadena has been under a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage Plan since September 2021.

As the city continues to face water challenges, residents are urged to adhere to these regulations and adopt sustainable water practices to ensure a reliable water supply for the future.