Can I be fined for watering my Modesto lawn on the wrong day? See summer schedule
With another hot summer on the horizon, Modesto is tightening its watering rules.
In response to statewide conservation goals set in 2015, which called for cities to cut water use by 25% due to California drought conditions, Modesto enforces a three-day watering schedule from April 1 to October 31.
During colder months, or November through March, the city enforces a two-day watering schedule.
The schedule assigns specific days for outdoor watering to help reduce daily usage on the Modesto sub-basin, according to city officials.
What happens if you’re caught watering on the wrong days? Could you face fines or other penalties?
Here’s what to know about enforcement of Modesto’s watering schedule:
When can you water your lawn or plants in Modesto?
Nick Terpstra, utilities plant operator for the city of Modesto, said Modesto’s current outdoor watering rules are in effect through Friday, Oct. 31.
Homes with odd-numbered addresses are allowed to water lawns, plants and landscaping on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Even-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
No watering is allowed on Mondays, or on any day between noon and 7 p.m.
“That’s because it is the warmest part of the day, and running sprinklers proves to be ineffective due to the water evaporating in the heat,” Terpstra said.
For Modesto residents on outlying water systems supplied by groundwater wells, a separate two-day schedule applies.
In that case, odd-numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Sundays, while even-numbered addresses are scheduled to water on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
“You’re welcome to water twice a day as long as there’s no runoff,” Terpstra said.
However, for the best results, he recommends using a short, staggered watering method.
“If you’re able to, water for four to five minutes, then wait about an hour and water again for another four to five minutes,” he said. “This allows for better percolation into the root zone, which helps your plants and lawn.”
How is the watering schedule enforced?
Modesto’s watering schedule is enforced through random patrols, according to city officials.
“There is no set route or schedule,” Terpstra said. “City staff will randomly drive around town to check for violations.”
Enforcement isn’t tied to specific neighborhoods or timeframes, he said, so all residents are expected to follow the rules.
In addition to patrols, the city also responds to residents’ reports of water schedule violations.
“We get about one call a day,” Terpstra said. “We document the report and follow up.”
A 24-hour hotline is available for residents to report violations, and staff are on hand throughout the day to respond.
Can I be fined for watering on the wrong day?
When it comes to water schedule enforcement, the city of Modesto prioritizes education, Terpstra said.
“If we get the chance to step out, hand someone a watering schedule and have a quick conversation about their watering habits, that’s always our preferred approach,” he said.
However, repeat violations can lead to fines.
If a resident is caught watering on the wrong day multiple times, the city begins documenting the violations — including taking photos of the violation while it’s happening.
The first offense results in a mailed notice with photos, serving as a warning.
The second violation comes with a $150 fine, followed by a $250 fine for a third offense.
Any further violations cost $500 each.
However, Terpstra said, “Modesto has done a great job hitting targets and goals of saving water.”
Are there exceptions to the watering schedule?
According to the city, residents with drip irrigation systems can water at any time.
Hand-watering of trees and shrubs is also allowed at any time, as long as you use a hose with a positive shutoff nozzle.
Excessive runoff is not allowed under any circumstances.
Outdoor potted plants can be watered with a watering can filled using an indoor tap any day, or with an outdoor hose during approved watering hours.
Residents who are planting new landscaping can request a 90-day exemption from watering restrictions to help plants get established.
