08/29/2025 | Press release | Archived content
As summer fades into fall, it's time to shift your outdoor watering habits. Even if it still feels warm outside, your lawn and landscape don't need as much water as they did in July. Why the change? It all comes down to shorter days.
From the summer solstice in June to the winter solstice in December, Contra Costa County loses over 6.5 hours of daylight. Along with fewer daylight hours, the sun sits lower in the sky, reducing the intensity of sunlight. This combination means less evaporation and lower water needs for your plants.
To make the most of every drop, we encourage you to adjust your watering schedule to match the season. Scaling back in the fall helps conserve water while keeping your lawn and landscape healthy.
We've got seasonal guidelines to help you water efficiently. View the table below and check out our Lawn and Landscape Watering Schedule (PDF).
Watering Schedule | September | October | November | December |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lawn | 3 days per week | 2 days per week | 1 day per week | Off |
Landscape (Plants/Shrubs) | 2 days per week | 1 day per week | Off | Off |