In June 2023, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District returned to a Level 1 drought alert, which calls for voluntary cutbacks in water use. This action aligns with similar moves across the state, thanks to the record-breaking rain and snow California experienced in winter 2023.

When we have rainy weather in Carlsbad and throughout California, it means our water supplies get the chance to recharge. Even still, one wet year is not enough to reverse the impacts of our typically hot and dry climate, and ongoing conservation is always important. 

Under a Level 1 drought alert, residents are asked to: 

  • Only operate sprinklers before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. This does not apply to drip/micro-irrigation systems. 
  • In areas with no irrigation system, use a bucket, a hose with a shutoff nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation to water.
  • Keep all irrigation water on your property. Runoff from irrigation is prohibited by the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
  • Don’t wash down hard surfaces, such as driveways, patios, sidewalks and parking lots with a hose, unless necessary for safety or sanitation. If washing is necessary, divert wash water to landscaping, or capture water with a shop vacuum, to prevent water from running off to the street or storm drain.
  • Use recycled or non-drinking water for construction purposes when available. 
  • Repair leaks within 5 days of being notified by CMWD.

The City of Carlsbad is also served by the Vallecitos and Olivenhain water districts. Find your water district 

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Why do I still see watering happening around town?

These restrictions do not apply to those using recycled water, which is often used for golf courses, park, street medians and much of the landscaping you see in business parks. Carlsbad has been a leader in promoting recycled water use and has among the highest per capital usage of recycled water in the region. You can tell it’s recycled water by the purple pipes and valves.