Water Conservation

Outdoor Conservation

Hillsborough residents use a significant amount of water on their landscapes. Over two thirds of all water used in Hillsborough is used for irrigation, pools, and other outdoor purposes. Water conservation efforts have traditionally focused on indoor water use (water efficient toilets, shower heads, washing machines, etc). Reducing outdoor water use represents the greatest opportunity for Hillsborough to conserve water. The Town has implemented several new programs to promote outdoor water conservation.

Outdoor Conservation Tips

View helpful outdoor conservation tips by signing up for WaterSmart.

Rebates

The Town offers residents rebates on energy and water efficient toilets through the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency. 

Water Conservation Resources & Programs

  • BAWSCA Water Efficient Landscape Classes - BAWSCA offers a number of water efficient landscape education classes taught by experts in the field throughout the year. Please visit BAWSCA's Classes page to download a schedule.
  • Free Water Wise Gardening Web Resource - Get some great tips for conserving water around your property today by visiting the Water-Wise Gardening in the Bay Area website.
  • Water Wise Education Program - The Town provides Water Wise Education kits to students at no cost through the Hillsborough City School District in the 2014/2015 school year. Ask your school to participate while supplies last! Call (650) 375-7444 for more information.
  • The Town Water Conservation Garden - The Town maintains a Water Conservation Garden that demonstrates low water landscaping concepts. Visit the demonstration garden at Town Hall to learn how you can incorporate these water conservation concepts in your landscaping project.

Waste Water Prohibitions

The following water waste activities continue to be prohibited in Hillsborough:

  • The application of potable water to ornamental landscapes, grass, lawns and turf shall be done in a manner that does not create excessive runoff onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways or roadways, driveways, parking lots or parking strips or other hardscape.
  • Potable water shall not be applied to driveways, walkways, sidewalks or parking strips, except where necessary to address an immeadiate health or safety need or to comply with a term or condition of a permit issued by a state or federal agency.
  • Potable water shall not be used in outdoor fountains or other decorative water features except where the water is part of a recirculating system.
  • The use of a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle is prohibited, except where the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use.
  • The irrigation with potable water of landscapes outside of newly constructed homes and buildings in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development.

California Drought Status

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows that the drought has improved in our region but parts of California are still experiencing extreme drought conditions.

Indoor Conservation

Find beneficial indoor conservation tips along with links to useful resources by signing up for WaterSmart.