California has faced repeated drought years, and water restrictions often return during those dry periods. Although not consistently enforced, it’s helpful to know what might happen if they return in 2025.
For homeowners, the big question is: how can you keep your lawn alive if watering is limited? The good news is that with proper practices and suitable grass types, you can maintain a healthy yard even when drought rules are in effect.
If you live in areas like Los Angeles, Fresno, or Sacramento, you’ve likely seen different drought rules come and go. Understanding how these restrictions have worked in the past can help you prepare for the future.
Key Takeaways
- California’s lawn watering restrictions are not currently active statewide, but they may be reinstated during future drought years.
- If restrictions are applied, they typically limit watering days, times, and methods; however, lawns can survive with competent care.
- Choosing drought-tolerant sod, such as TifTuf Bermuda, helps lawns stay greener with less water during dry periods.
- Simple adjustments, such as deep watering, mowing at a higher height, and promptly fixing leaks, can help keep your lawn alive even when water use is limited.
What happens to lawns during drought restrictions?
When outdoor watering is limited, lawns often turn brown or go dormant. This doesn’t necessarily mean your grass is dead. Many sod types, including drought-tolerant varieties like TifTuf Bermuda, can survive on deep but infrequent watering and recover once regular watering resumes.
The key is keeping roots alive. Even if the surface looks stressed, occasional deep watering will keep the root system strong enough to bounce back.
Common California lawn watering rules during drought years
If restrictions return, the rules will vary by city. However, past drought years have shown common patterns:
- Limited watering days – Many cities assigned days based on your street address. For example, odd-numbered homes could water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, while even-numbered homes watered on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Mondays were typically “no watering” days.
- Time-of-day limits – Watering was typically restricted to early morning (before 9 a.m.) or late evening (after 6 p.m.) to minimize evaporation.
- Runoff bans – Overspray and runoff onto sidewalks, driveways, or streets were not allowed.
- Equipment rules – Hoses required shut-off nozzles, and sprinkler systems had to be free of leaks.
- Non-functional turf bans – Some cities prohibited watering medians and commercial strips with drinking water.
These rules are not currently active across most of California (as of September 2025), but they could be reinstated quickly during another severe drought. Check with your local water authority.
How to keep your lawn alive if restrictions return
If drought rules limit your water use, here are proven ways to protect your grass:
- Water deeply, less often – Run sprinklers for longer sessions on allowed days to encourage deep root growth. Shallow watering makes lawns more vulnerable to stress.
- Mow higher – Keeping grass 3–4 inches tall shades soil, slows evaporation, and helps roots grow stronger.
- Pause fertilizing – Fertilizer increases water demand. Wait until normal watering resumes before applying it.
- Fix leaks fast – Even a slow drip can waste gallons of water daily when every drop matters.
Choosing drought-tolerant sod
When installing a new lawn, selecting the right sod can make a significant difference. TifTuf Bermuda grass is one of the best options for California yards because it requires less water while maintaining its green color for extended periods. It also recovers quickly after drought stress, making it a wise choice for homeowners who want resilience in hot, dry summers.
Fescue lawns and TWCA-certified seed
While warm-season grasses like TifTuf Bermuda perform well in California’s hot, dry climate, cool-season grasses, such as Fescue, can also handle drought conditions when properly managed. Fescue varieties develop deep root systems that help them survive more extended periods of drought and recover more quickly after stress.
SodLawn utilizes TWCA-certified seed cultivars (Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance), which have been independently tested and proven to be among the most drought-tolerant grass types in the industry. These cultivars are bred to use water more efficiently, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want a green lawn while using less water.
By incorporating TWCA-backed Fescue lawns, you gain a durable, attractive lawn that can withstand California’s drought cycles without requiring constant irrigation.
Drip irrigation for lawns vs. planter beds
Drip irrigation is often associated with planter beds, where mulch helps the soil retain moisture for extended periods. But drip can also be used for lawns. Specialized drip systems deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation.
That said, installing drip irrigation for turf presents unique challenges, such as system design and maintenance. It can be a good fit for homeowners committed to careful lawn management, as well as commercial applications where overspray must be avoided, such as turf near auto dealerships, or in parks and public spaces where green areas are desired but water supplies are limited..
Adjusting lawn care by season
Restrictions affect your lawn differently depending on the time of year.
- Summer – Deep watering on allowed days is essential to help lawns survive extreme heat.
- Fall and winter – Grass naturally requires less water. Restrictions are easier to manage during cooler months since lawns can go longer between waterings.
Building a healthy root system before drought
One of the best ways to prepare your lawn for future drought restrictions is to strengthen the root system ahead of time. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow downward, allowing them to reach the moisture stored in the soil.
Regular fertilizing also supports root health by feeding the grass and enhancing its resilience when water becomes scarce.
Pro tip: Allow your grass blades to grow a little longer during dry conditions. Taller blades shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and promote stronger root development beneath the surface.
Making the right lawn care choices for California drought years
While most cities are not enforcing restrictions today, drought cycles are part of life in California. Preparing your lawn care habits now ensures your yard will be more resilient if limits return.
By selecting drought-tolerant sod, practicing efficient watering, and adjusting care through the seasons, you can keep your lawn alive even during restricted watering schedules.
At SodLawn, we work with California homeowners to supply sod that thrives in dry conditions. Contact us to discover the ideal grass for your yard and receive expert tips on keeping it healthy, rain or shine.
FAQs
How can I determine if watering restrictions are in effect in my city?
Check your city or water district’s website for updates. The State Water Resources Control Board also posts statewide drought rules.
Are there exceptions for new sod during drought restrictions?
Yes. Many cities grant temporary exemptions to allow new sod to be watered daily for approximately 30 days. Some areas require a permit, so confirm with your local provider.
Can I hand-water my lawn during restrictions?
Yes, as long as your hose has a shut-off nozzle and you avoid runoff. Hand-watering is often the easiest way to stay compliant while providing extra care to the grass.
