Do I need to let my lawn dry out during every period of drought?

A well-maintained lawn can withstand a drought year with reduced watering so we ask customers to adjust irrigation schedules to reduce their water use, while helping their lawn establish a stronger root system. Lawns may look stressed with areas of browning, but should remain alive and return when we receive sufficient rainfall and/or restrictions are lifted.  

Conduct irrigation system checks and repair any leaks or breaks to ensure that your irrigation system is working efficiently. A functioning irrigation system can help your landscape survive during extended dry periods and drought. Better yet, to avoid having your landscape stress and dry out, convert lawns to drought-tolerant landscape. ACWD offers resources and a rebate to help you do so. For more information visit acwd.org/rebates.

Show All Answers

1. Does ACWD have enough water?
2. Is drought a result of climate change?
3. How do I take care of my trees?
4. I’m already saving water. What more can I do to conserve?
5. How long will the water shortage emergency last and restrictions remain in place?
6. What is best practice for irrigating my lawn?
7. I have noticed water waste occurring in my neighborhood, at work, etc. How do I report it?
8. What is the ban on non-functional turf for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers passed by the State of California?
9. What is "non-functional" turf?
10. How do you determine if turf is considered functional or non-functional?
11. Are there exemptions to the non-functional turf ban for commercial, industrial, or institutional properties or HOA common areas?
12. What are some recommended actions to reduce water use?
13. What recommendations does ACWD have for landscape irrigation during drought and beyond?
14. Do I need to let my lawn dry out during every period of drought?
15. Why is new development and construction allowed during droughts and even during water shortage emergencies?
16. I am interested in water conservation. What rebates does ACWD offer residential and commercial customers?
17. I want to put in a new lawn; if I do, will there be restrictions on how much I can water it?
18. Why doesn't your lawn removal rebate program cover artificial turf or concrete if replacing my lawn with these saves water?
19. What is ACWD doing to reduce its water use?
20. Why are some fire hydrants open with water discharging?
21. Why doesn't ACWD recapture the water discharged from fire hydrants in the Main Cleaning Program?
22. Does the State of California offer a lawn removal rebate program I can participate in?
23. Will you be raising your $2/square foot rebate amount for your lawn removal program?
24. Does ACWD offer rebates for removal of other types of landscape, like trees to prevent fire risk?
25. If my water supply is terminated, how can I restore it?