Frequently Asked Questions

• You may only irrigate two days per week
• You may not water outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excess runoff
• You may not irrigate within 48 hours of a rain event
• You may only irrigate between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM
• Irrigation is prohibited during high winds if over-spray is caused

You may wash your car if the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle and if all water runoff is absorbed by landscaping on the property where the vehicle is washed. Car washing cannot cause runoff into or upon any street, drainage ditch, storm drain, flood control channel, or drainage leading to creeks or ocean.

Mobile car wash companies must use a mat or containment system that prevents water runoff and captures water for reclamation and reuse in car washing, or for disposal at a permitted facility that recycles water.

• You may not wash down sidewalks or driveways
• Fountains or decorative water features must have a recirculating water system
• The operation of fountains or other water features are prohibited during high winds if over-spray is caused
• Restaurants and other food service establishment may only serve water to customers on request
• Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily and prominently display notice of this option
• Recycled or reclaimed water should be used for grading and construction sites when available. If recycled or reclaimed water is not available, the amount of potable water used must be minimized and may not runoff the site or pond.

Water waste may be reported at www.malibucity.org/waterwaster or by calling One-Call-to-City-Hall after hours at 310-456-2589, ext. 310. Your identity will be kept confidential when a report is submitted by phone or online.

Residents and businesses may conduct an easy self-audit but may also request a free water audit from water retailer Los Angeles County Waterworks District 29 by sending a request for a water audit to wateraudit@dpw.lacounty.gov. There are also easy and practical water saving measures, including using water efficient hardware which is often eligible for rebates. See www.malibucity.org/rebates for more information on rebates.

There are a number of rebates available including for high efficiency washing machines, weather-based irrigation controllers, rotary sprinkler nozzles, rain barrels, cisterns, and more. For information on rebate and incentive programs visit www.socalwatersmart.com.