During the drought, EBMUD is seeking a 15 percent overall reduction in water use, with specific goals for different types of customers.

The drought program approved by EBMUD’s Board of Directors prohibits the following:

• using water for decorative ponds, lakes and fountains except those that recycle the water
• washing vehicles with hoses that do not contain shutoff nozzles
• washing sidewalks, patios and similar hard surfaces
• irrigating outdoors on consecutive days or more than three days a week (EBMUD recommends watering in the evening or before dawn)
• lawn or garden watering that results in excessive runoff
• sewer and hydrant flushing and washing streets with potable (drinking) water supplied by EBMUD except for essential purposes
• the use of potable water for construction if alternatives are available
• the use of potable water for soil compaction and dust control when another source is available