Stage Four - Severe water shortage.
Riverside Municipal Code § 14.22.060
in effect14.22.060 - Stage Four - Severe water shortage.
A. Stage Four applies when the City Council declares, by resolution, that the City's ability to meet its water demands with its local water supplies is seriously impaired; or RPU faces an actual supply shortage of 20—50 percent corresponding to California Water Code Section 10632 shortage levels 3, 4 and 5.
B. Upon declaration of Stage Four by the City Council, the following water conservation measures shall apply:
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all Stage One, Two, and Three conservation measures shall be in full force and effect during Stage Four, and Stage One measures shall be mandatory, not voluntary.
2. Water customers will reduce their monthly water consumption by 20 to 50 percent for the duration of Water Conservation Stage Four.
3. Non-agricultural irrigation shall be limited to supporting minimal survival of trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs may be irrigated, only during the following designated hours and designated days:
a. Properties with odd number street addresses, parks, and public right-of-ways may irrigate only on Saturdays between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
b. Properties with even number street addresses may irrigate only on Sundays between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
c. Irrigation is prohibited on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and on any day of the week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
d. Use of graywater, as that term is identified in the California Health and Safety Code, or recycled water for irrigation is permitted on any day and at any time, subject only to any permits issued by the City.
4. All outdoor watering and irrigation of lawns and similar ground covers is prohibited with the exception of plant materials determined by the City Manager to be rare, exceptionally valuable, or essential to the well-being of the public or threatened or endangered animals.
5. Washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited except at a commercial car wash. Commercial car washes shall only use wholly- or partially-recycled water for washing automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes and other types of mobile equipment. Washings necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of the public, such as garbage trucks or vehicles used for food and perishables, are exempt from this section.
6. Filling, refilling, or replenishing swimming pools, spas, ponds, streams, and artificial lakes is prohibited.
7. Operation of any ornamental fountain, pond, or similar structure is prohibited.
8. [Reserved.]
9. Water used for commercial, manufacturing, or processing purposes shall be reduced as determined by the City Council.
(Ord. 7556 § 6, 2021; Ord. 7334 § 1, 2016; Ord. 7136 § 4, 2011)
Source: City of Riverside, California, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/riverside/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TIT14PUUT_CH14.22WACO_14.22.060STFOEVWASHFetched: 11/1/2026