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Burbank introduces new water‑use ordinance, drops fixed watering days
Summary
Burbank Water & Power recommended replacing the six‑stage watering schedule with a rules‑and‑incentives approach; council voted to introduce the updated ordinance after a staff presentation explaining the change and state compliance requirements (AB572, statewide conservation law).
Burbank officials on June 30 introduced an updated Sustainable Water Use Ordinance that removes the city’s seasonal fixed watering days and instead relies on runtime limits, time‑of‑day restrictions, targeted outreach, and incentives to reduce residential and commercial outdoor water waste.
Drew Johnstone, Burbank Water & Power’s sustainability officer, told the council the six‑stage system and fixed watering days “no longer reflect reality” given California’s increasingly unpredictable climate. Staff recommended shifting enforcement away from routine watering‑day notices toward data‑driven outreach that targets large landscape users and prioritizes action on leaks, overspray, and confirmed waste. Johnstone also framed the change as necessary to implement two new state laws: AB572 (limits on irrigation of nonfunctional turf with potable water on government/commercial properties) and the state’s "conservation a California way of life" requirements.
Under the proposed ordinance, irrigation run times would remain limited and daytime watering would still be prohibited; hand watering and drip systems are exempt from timed restrictions. BWP will continue rebates and incentives, including rebates for smart irrigation controllers and turf‑to‑landscape conversion funds through Metropolitan Water District partnerships. Council members asked for an evaluation at roughly one year after roll‑out and clarity on notification and data systems; staff said upgraded meter communications will enable targeted alerts and that fines would be reserved for significant waste or violation of the new law.
Council voted to introduce the ordinance and find the appropriate CEQA exemptions; staff will return with implementation details and follow‑up reporting.
