Irrigation Runoff

All residents are prohibited from:

  • Discharge of irrigation runoff to the stormwater conveyance system (i.e. curbs & gutters)
  • Using potable water to wash sidewalks and driveways
  • Allowing runoff when watering with potable water
  • Using hoses with no shutoff nozzles to wash cars
  • Using potable water in decorative water features that do not recirculate the water
  • Watering outdoors during, and within 48 hours after, measurable rainfall

The problem with irrigation runoff

Did you know that storm drains are NOT connected to sanitary sewer systems or treatment plants? The primary purpose of storm drains is to carry rainwater away from developed areas to prevent flooding. Irrigation runoff collects pollutants from the sidewalk, driveways, and roadways and may contain significant quantities of dirt, bacteria, nutrients from fertilizers and other pollutants that could end up in our creeks, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Allowing these materials to flow into storm drains causes serious ecological problems—and is PROHIBITED by law.

Best Management Practices

Best Management Practices, or BMPs, are procedures that help to prevent pollutants from entering our storm drains. Each of us can do our part to keep storm water clean. Using BMPs adds up to a pollution solution!

  • Set your controller run-time on intervals allowing the landscaping soak time
  • Adjust arc pattern on sprinkler heads with an arc feature
  • Choose low precipitation rate sprinkler heads
  • Choose watering time appropriate for the landscaping. Watering times vary based upon plant material.
  • Properly space sprinkler heads to avoid overlapping of spray
  • Properly maintain irrigation system and regularly check for leaks or overspray
  • Only water plants when needed
  • Water during the night, preferably between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
  • Avoid runoff and overspray
  • Turn-off automatic timers when rain is in the forecast
  • Check your irrigation system for leaks, broken parts, or whether valves and sprinkler heads are working properly:
  1. Geysers resulting from broken sprinkler heads are obvious, but other problems might include water spraying on the street or sidewalk, swampy areas, or plants not performing well.
  2. Check sprinkler heads regularly and valves to see if they are working properly. Repair sprinkler heads that might be clogged, leaking, pushed too far in the ground, or tilted the wrong direction.
  3. Water pressure that is too low or too high may also cause problems, like spray not reaching far enough or blowing sprinkler heads off.
  4. Replace older irrigation systems with water-efficient models, such as drip irrigation and weather-based controllers.

Water Conservation Rebates

Take the opportunity to reduce your water use by taking advantage of rebate opportunities.

Links to the following rebates can be found on the City's website:

  • Nozzles
  • Rain Barrels
  • Soil Moisture Sensors
  • Weather-Based Irrigation Controller

The Sustainable Landscapes Incentive Program offers turf conversion rebates of $1.75 per square foot for qualified applicants who replace turf grass with landscaping that provides several environmental benefits. For more details visit:

Poway Sustainable Landscapes Incentive Program Page or

San Diego County Water Authority Sustainable Landscapes Incentive Program Website

Irrigation Runoff Brochure (PDF)