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Water Conservation Policy

Mandatory Requirements: Stages 1 – 5

Water Conservation Stage Declaration: Upon declaration or amendment by the Board of Directors of a specific Stage in effect, the following mandatory water conservation requirements shall be in effect.

The declaration of short-term Stage 4 or Stage 5 water conservation requirements may be declared by the agency’s General Manager or his/her designee and subject to ratification by the agency’s Board of Directors in a regular or special session.  A short-term declaration is for water shortage conditions expected for a duration of 45 days or less.

Stage 1 – Normal Water Supply

  1. Water shall be used for beneficial purposes only; all unnecessary and wasteful uses of water are prohibited.
  2. Water shall be confined to the customer’s property and shall not be allowed to run off to adjoining properties or to the roadside ditch or gutter.  Care shall be taken not to water past the point of saturation.
  3. Free-flowing hoses for all uses are prohibited.  Automatic shut-off devices shall be attached on any hose or filling apparatus in use.
  4. Voluntarily limit irrigating of ornamental landscapes to THREE DAYS PER WEEK based on an ODD-EVEN schedule.  Customers with street addresses that end with an ODD number should irrigate only on TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, and SATURDAYS.  Customers with street addresses that end with an EVEN number should irrigate only on WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS, and SUNDAYS.  Irrigating on MONDAYS is discouraged.
  5. The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited.
  6. Irrigating of ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited.
  7. Leaking customer pipes or faulty sprinklers shall be repaired within five (5) working days or less if warranted by the severity of the problem.
  8. All pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds shall be equipped with a recirculation pump and shall be constructed to be leak-proof.  Pool draining and refilling shall be allowed only for health, maintenance, or structural considerations.
  9. Washing streets, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is prohibited.
  10. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the water agency’s conservation programs and rebates.
  11. Voluntarily reduce water use by 20% compared to 2013.

Stage 2 – Water Alert

  1. Water shall be used for beneficial purposes only; all unnecessary and wasteful uses of water are prohibited.
  2. Water shall be confined to the customer’s property and shall not be allowed to run-off to adjoining properties or to the roadside ditch or gutter. Care shall be taken not to water past the point of saturation.
  3. Free-flowing hoses for all uses are prohibited. Automatic shut-off devices shall be attached on any hose or filling apparatus in use.
  4. Irrigating of ornamental landscapes or turf shall be limited to a maximum of THREE DAYS PER WEEK based on an ODD-EVEN schedule. Customers with street addresses that end with an ODD number may irrigate only on TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, and SATURDAYS. Customers with street addresses that end with an EVEN number may irrigate only on WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS, and SUNDAYS.  NO irrigating is permitted on MONDAYS.
  5. The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited.
  6. Irrigating of ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited.
  7. Leaking customer pipes or faulty sprinklers shall be repaired within five (5) working days or less if warranted by the severity of the problem.
  8. All pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds shall be equipped with a recirculation pump and shall be constructed to be leak-proof. Pool draining and refilling shall be allowed only for health, maintenance, or structural considerations.
  9. Washing streets, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is prohibited.
  10. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the water agency’s conservation programs and rebates.
  11. Reduce landscape and pasture irrigation by 5 – 10%. Customers with “smart” irrigation timers or controllers are asked to set their controllers to achieve 90 to 95% of the evapotranspiration (ET) rate.  Drip irrigation systems are excluded from this requirement.
  12. Reduce indoor water use by 5 – 10%. Contact your water provider for tips and techniques to reduce indoor water use.
  13. Restaurants shall serve water only upon request.
  14. Users of construction meters and fire hydrant meters will be monitored for efficient water use.

Stage 3 – Water Warning

  1. Water shall be used for beneficial purposes only; all unnecessary and wasteful uses of water are prohibited.
  2. Water shall be confined to the customer’s property and shall not be allowed to run off to adjoining properties or to the roadside ditch or gutter.  Care shall be taken not to water past the point of saturation.
  3. Free-flowing hoses for all uses are prohibited.  Automatic shut-off devices shall be attached on any hose or filling apparatus in use.
  4. Irrigation of ornamental landscapes or turf shall be limited to a maximum of THREE DAYS PER WEEK based on an ODD-EVEN schedule.  Customers with street addresses that end with an ODD number may irrigate only on TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, and SATURDAYS.  Customers with street addresses that end with an EVEN number may irrigate only on WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS, and SUNDAYS.  NO irrigating is permitted on MONDAYS.
  5. The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited.
  6. Irrigating of ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited.
  7. Leaking customer pipes or faulty sprinklers shall be repaired within two (2) working days or less if warranted by the severity of the problem.
  8. All pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds shall be equipped with a recirculation pump and shall be constructed to be leak-proof.  Pool draining and refilling shall be allowed only for health, maintenance, or structural considerations.
  9. Washing streets, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is prohibited.
  10. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the water agency’s conservation programs and rebates.
  11. Reduce landscape and pasture irrigation by 11 – 25%.  Customers with “smart” irrigation timers or controllers are asked to set their controllers to achieve 75 to 89% of the evapotranspiration (ET) rate.  Drip irrigation systems are excluded from this requirement.
  12. Reduce indoor water use by 11 – 25%.  Contact your water provider for tips and techniques to reduce indoor water use.
  13. Restaurants shall serve water only upon request.
  14. Users of construction meters and fire hydrants will be monitored for efficient water use.

Stage 4 – Water Crisis: Short-Term

The declaration of Short-Term Stage 4 water conservation requirements may be declared by the agency’s General Manager or his/her designee and subject to ratification by the agency’s Board of Directors in a regular or special session.  A short-term declaration is for water shortage conditions expected for a duration of 45 days or less.

  1. Water shall be used for beneficial purposes only; all unnecessary and wasteful uses of water are prohibited.
  2. Water shall be confined to the customer’s property and shall not be allowed to run-off to adjoining properties or to the roadside ditch or gutter. Care shall be taken not to water past the point of saturation.
  3. Irrigating of ornamental landscapes or turf shall be limited to a maximum of THREE DAYS PER WEEK based on an ODD-EVEN schedule. Customers with street addresses that end with an ODD number may irrigate only on TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, and SATURDAYS. Customers with street addresses that end with an EVEN number may irrigate only on WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS, and SUNDAYS.  NO irrigating is permitted on MONDAYS.
  4. The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited.
  5. Irrigating of ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited.
  6. Free-flowing hoses for all uses are prohibited. Automatic shut-off devices shall be attached on any hose or filling apparatus in use.
  7. Leaking customer pipes or faulty sprinklers shall be repaired within 24 hours or less if warranted by the severity of the problem.
  8. All pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds shall be equipped with a recirculation pump and shall be constructed to be leak-proof. Pool draining and refilling shall be allowed only for health, maintenance, or structural considerations.
  9. Washing streets, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is prohibited.
  10. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the water agency’s conservation programs and rebates.
  11. Reduce landscape and pasture irrigation by 26 – 50%. Customers with ‘smart” irrigation timers or controllers are asked to set their controllers to achieve 50 to 74% of the evapotranspiration (ET) rate.  Drip irrigation systems are NOT excluded from this requirement.
  12. Reduce indoor water use by 26 – 50%. Contact your water provider for tips and techniques to reduce indoor water use.
  13. Restaurants shall serve water only upon request.
  14. Flushing of sewers or fire hydrants is prohibited except in case of emergency and for essential operations.
  15. Irrigating outside of newly constructed homes and buildings that is not delivered by drip or micro spray systems is prohibited.

Stage 4 – Water Crisis: Long-Term

The declaration of Long-Term Stage 4 water conservation requirements will be declared by the agency’s Board of Directors in a regular or special session.  A Long-term declaration is for water shortage conditions expected for a duration of more than 45 days.

  1. Water shall be used for beneficial purposes only; all unnecessary and wasteful uses of water are prohibited.
  2. Water shall be confined to the customer’s property and shall not be allowed to run-off to adjoining properties or to the roadside ditch or gutter. Care shall be taken not to water past the point of saturation.
  3. Irrigating of ornamental landscapes or turf shall be limited to a maximum of THREE DAYS PER WEEK based on an ODD-EVEN schedule. Customers with street addresses that end with an ODD number may irrigate only on TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, and SATURDAYS. Customers with street addresses that end with an EVEN number may irrigate only on WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS, and SUNDAYS.  NO irrigating is permitted on MONDAYS.
  4. The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited.
  5. Irrigating of ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited.
  6. Free-flowing hoses for all uses are prohibited. Automatic shut-off devices shall be attached on any hose or filling apparatus in use.
  7. Leaking customer pipes or faulty sprinklers shall be repaired within 24 hours or less if warranted by the severity of the problem.
  8. All pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds shall be equipped with a recirculation pump and shall be constructed to be leak-proof. Pool draining and refilling shall be allowed only for health, maintenance, or structural considerations.
  9. Washing streets, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is prohibited.
  10. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the water agency’s conservation programs and rebates.
  11. Reduce landscape and pasture irrigation by 26 – 50%. Customers with ‘smart” irrigation timers or controllers are asked to set their controllers to achieve 50 to 74% of the evapotranspiration (ET) rate.  Drip irrigation systems are NOT excluded from this requirement.
  12. Reduce indoor water use by 26 – 50%. Contact your water provider for tips and techniques to reduce indoor water use.
  13. Restaurants shall serve water only upon request.
  14. Flushing of sewers or fire hydrants is prohibited except in case of emergency and for essential operations.
  15. Irrigating outside of newly constructed homes and buildings that is not delivered by drip or micro spray systems is prohibited.

Stage 5 – Water Emergency: Short-Term

The declaration of Short-Term Stage 5 water conservation requirements may be declared by the agency’s General Manager or his/her designee and subject to ratification by the agency’s Board of Directors in a regular or special session.  A short-term declaration is for water shortage conditions expected for a duration of 45 days or less.

  1. Water shall be used for beneficial purposes only; all unnecessary and wasteful uses of water are prohibited.
  2. Landscape and pasture irrigation is prohibited.
  3. Free-flowing hoses for all uses are prohibited. Automatic shut-off devices shall be attached on any hose or filling apparatus in use.
  4. Leaking customer pipes or faulty sprinklers shall be repaired immediately. Water service will be suspended until repairs are made.
  5. All pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds shall be equipped with a recirculation pump and shall be constructed to be leak-proof. No potable water from the District’s system shall be used to fill or refill swimming pools, artificial lakes, ponds or streams.  Water use for ornamental ponds and fountains is prohibited.
  6. Washing streets, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is prohibited.
  7. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the water agency’s conservation programs and rebates.
  8. Reduce indoor water use by more than 50%. Contact your water provider for tips and techniques to reduce indoor water use.
  9. Restaurants shall serve water only upon request.
  10. Water flow for testing and construction purposes from water agency fire hydrants and blow-offs is prohibited. No potable water from the District’s system shall be used for construction purposes including but not limited to dust control, compaction, or trench jetting.  Use of reclaimed water for construction purposes is encouraged.
  11. Flushing of sewers or fire hydrants is prohibited except in case of emergency and for essential operations.
  12. Installation of new turf or landscaping is prohibited.
  13. Automobiles or equipment shall be washed only at commercial establishments that use recycled or reclaimed water.

Stage 5 – Water Emergency: Long-Term

The declaration of Long-Term Stage 5 water conservation requirements will be declared by the agency’s Board of Directors in a regular or special session.  A Long-term declaration is for water shortage conditions expected for a duration of more than 45 days.

  1. Water shall be used for beneficial purposes only; all unnecessary and wasteful uses of water are prohibited.
  2. Landscape and pasture irrigation is prohibited.
  3. Free-flowing hoses for all uses are prohibited. Automatic shut-off devices shall be attached on any hose or filling apparatus in use.
  4. Leaking customer pipes shall be repaired immediately. Water service will be suspended until repairs are made.
  5. All pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds shall be equipped with a recirculation pump and shall be constructed to be leak-proof. No potable water from the District’s system shall be used to fill or refill swimming pools, artificial lakes, ponds or streams.  Water use for commercial and multi-family residential ornamental ponds and fountains is prohibited.
  6. Washing streets, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is prohibited.
  7. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the water agency’s conservation programs and rebates.
  8. Reduce indoor water use by more than 50%.
  9. Restaurants shall serve water only upon request.
  10. Water flow for testing and construction purposes from water agency fire hydrants and blow-offs is prohibited. No potable water from the District’s system shall be used for construction purposes including but not limited to dust control, compaction, or trench jetting.  Use of reclaimed water for construction purposes is encouraged.
  11. Flushing of sewers or fire hydrants is prohibited except in case of emergency and for essential operations.
  12. Installation of new turf or landscaping is prohibited.
  13. Automobiles or equipment shall be washed only at commercial establishments that use recycled or reclaimed water.
  14. New connections to the District water distribution system will not be allowed.
  15. Water Crisis/Emergency tiered pricing will be implemented.
  16. No commitments will be made to provide service for new water service connections.