Drought Information

Drought Information

For Yard, Home, and Rebates information on Droughts visit the Water Conservation Page.

Drought Update

The winter rains have filled the water supply pools in the region’s two main reservoirs, Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino, and our water supply situation is vastly improved. The City will be returning to messaging for its customers to continue to use water wisely, however, the urgency of the drought is over, for the time being.

Cotati receives on average 75% of its water from Sonoma Water and the rest from its local wells. Current supply conditions for Sonoma Water are found here . Cotati’s local wells are operated and conditions monitored by City Public Works Staff and have been an important source of supply through the drought period.

Over the past two decades, we have all changed our behaviors to become more water efficient and is evident with the reduction in gallons per person per day (per capita use) from over 160 in 1995 to just under 100 today. This has resulted in an overall reduction in water use despite a higher population. However, water supply conditions are unpredictable year-to-year and we will need to continue to use water wisely and look for new ways to save. 

As Spring approaches, check irrigation piping and emitters for leaks and prepare irrigation control settings. Only turn the irrigation back on when the soil conditions and plant needs call for it which may be well into March or even April. Now is a good time to apply for a Cash For Grass, high efficiency toilet, or washing machine rebate.



  1. How is the City of Cotati responding to the regional drought emergency?
  2. What does a 20 percent voluntary reduction in water use mean?
  3. How do I cut back my water use if I'm already efficient with my water use?
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Water Waste Prohibitions

Cotati's Water Waste Ordinance prohibits waste of water due to breaks, leaks, or excess use. This includes:

  • Leaking faucets, toilets, and appliances.
  • Broken irrigation pipes, leaking irrigation valves, or broken sprinkler heads.
  • Water runoff from your property outdoors. For example, overwatering your yard or misdirected sprinklers that "water" sidewalks and runoff into gutters is considered water waste.

Report Water Waste

Additional Resources

2023 Water Shortage Contingency Plan

Cotati's WaterInsight Portal
The WaterInsight Portal will help you track and analyze your water use online.

Cash for Grass Rebate
The City of Cotati is offering residential and commercial customers rebates in return for reducing the amount of lawn area in their landscapes and replacing with low water use landscapes.

Water Conservation
Visit the City of Cotati's Water Conservation web page for additional information on ways you can help conserve.

Reservoir Levels Link
Visit Sonoma Water to view our current water supply levels.

Saving Water Partnership
Sonoma Water
Cotati Water and Sewer Services

Outdoor Water-Saving Tips

  • Make sure all hoses have an automatic shut off nozzle (we provide free nozzles!).
  • Limit irrigation to the hours of 8 pm to 6 am (less evaporation).
  • Use the City's WaterInsight portal for irrigation recommendations to adjust irrigation schedules.
  • Replace high water use turf with low water use landscaping (contact us first - you could get a rebate!)
  • Sweep hard surfaces instead of using water (driveways, sidewalks, patios).
  • If you need to get your car washed, go to sites that recycled the water.
  • Cover pools and spas when not in use to prevent evaporation.
  • Install a greywater system so you can reuse your laundry water to irrigate your yard (contact us first - you could get a rebate!).
  • Install rainwater capture system so you can reuse rain water later (contact us first - you could get a rebate!).

Indoor Water-Saving Tips

  • Complete a do-it-yourself WaterSmart check up (we provide kits!).
  • Check toilets for leaks every few months (we provide free dye tabs!)
  • Replace old showerheads with high efficiency models (we provide these to customers for free!).
  • Fix leaks quickly.
  • Replace old faucet aerators with high efficiency fixtures (we provide these to customers for free!)
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving.
  • Only run dishwashers and clothes washers with full loads.
  • Install hot water recirculating pumps (contact us first - you could get a rebate!).