You may have heard that Governor Jerry Brown declared an end to California’s historic five-year drought last April. The record rain has helped build up our reservoirs, and the snowpack across the Sierra Nevada was between 150% and 175% above normal. These conditions have brought relief to most of California, taking us out of a state of emergency. However, there are long term impacts from the drought that will require more than one wet season to resolve. Reducing water use remains as important as ever as we work to replenish our depleted groundwater supply and prepare for likely future droughts. (Read about the water cycle and why groundwater reserves are so important.)

Permanent Water Use Restrictions

What does this mean to Santa Ana? The City of Santa Ana has eased restrictions, but encourages residents to continue conserving. Remaining in place are the city’s permanent water use restrictions, which prohibit wasteful practices:

Requirements For Everyone

• Outdoor water is restricted to evenings between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.
• Leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of notification by the City.
• No washing down sidewalks or driveways.
• No excessive water flow or runoff that causes water to flow onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch.
• No washing vehicles with a hose, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
• No operating a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is part of a recirculating system.
• No outdoor watering during and 48 hours following measurable rainfall.
• Newly constructed homes must use drought tolerant plants in landscapes.

Additional Requirements For Businesses

• Restaurants and other food service establishments can only serve water to customers on request.
• Hotels and Motels must provide guests with the option of not having towels and linens laundered daily.

To help hotels and restaurants comply with these requirements, we created a program that provides tent cards free of charge. To order your free materials, complete this order form and fax it to 714-647-3345. Please allow up to 15 business days to receive your order. 

Questions? Please call our water conservation hotline at 714-647-3500 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Together we can do our part to conserve and minimize the hardship of potential water shortages in the future. For tips on how to conserve water, click here.