WATER CONSERVATION

Update on Outdoor Watering

This past year, California experienced historic dry conditions that depleted the state’s reservoirs and led to mandatory restriction being enacted for our service areas as imported water supplies were reduced.  In April 2022, Metropolitan Water District and Calleguas Municipal Water District passed resolutions declaring a Water Shortage Emergency Condition for their service areas and called on water purveyors to reduce their water use by implementing a 1 day a week watering restriction for their customers.

The recent storms we have experienced this winter have helped some of the reservoirs and on January 26, 2023, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that they would be able to supply 30 percent of the requested water supplies through the State Water Project, this figured was later increased to 35 percent on February 22, 2023.  In light of this new information, on February 15, Calleguas passed a resolution suspending the 1 day a week watering restriction and recommended that purveyors maintain water demand reduction measures without exceeding a 2 day per week watering restriction.

Therefore, beginning March 1, 2023, the 1-day a week outdoor watering schedule will end, and we will switch to 2-day per week outdoor watering schedule.  Customers will have the option to select the two watering days that best fit their watering needs.

Lastly, while water supply conditions have improved for our service areas, we must continue to conserve water and make water conservation a way of life.

Watering Schedule Fact Sheet* 

• Two-day-a-week watering schedule determined by customer. 
• Only applies to non-functional, ornamental turf (lawns) and excludes turf located in parks, sports fields, and school playground fields. 

• Hand-watering or efficient drip irrigation of trees, shrubs and/or plants is permitted as needed to support their health and ability to recover.  A minimum 30% water reduction is required for commercial landscape areas. 
• No irrigation between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
• No watering during or within forty-eight (48) hours after measurable rainfall.
• Irrigate no more than 10 minutes per zone (does not apply to low-flow drip irrigation). Adjust irrigation duration to avoid irrigation runoff onto hardscape areas, such as sidewalks and streets.
• Use multiple, shorter irrigation cycles on your watering days to eliminate runoff.
• Does not apply to areas that are irrigated with recycled water. 
• Applies to all customer classifications except agriculture. 
• Special Water Features: Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds is prohibited, except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life, provided that such animals are of significant value and have been actively managed within the water feature prior to the declaration of a supply shortage level. 
• Noncompliance penalties will be applied (see below).   
• Exceptions to conservation measures may be considered under unique circumstances and to address public health and safety needs. Please contact our office for more information.

*Effective March 1, 2023

Noncompliance and Penalties 

For those who fail to comply with our current and permanent water conservation measures including but not limited to mandatory watering schedules. The following penalties may apply. 

• First Violation: Written notice of the violation will be given to the customer 
• Second Violation:  If prior violations are not corrected within the timeframe specified by the notice, or a second violation occurs within the following twelve (12) months after the date of issuance of the first violation, a second violation and a penalty of $100.00 may be imposed. 
• Third Violation:  If prior violations are not corrected within the timeframe specified by the notice, or a third violation occurs within the following twelve (12) months after the date of issuance of the second violation, a third violation and a penalty of $250.00 may be imposed. 
• Fourth Violation:  If prior violations are not corrected within the timeframe specified by the notice, or a fourth violation occurs within the following twelve (12) months after the date of issuance of the third violation, a third violation and a penalty of $500.00 may be imposed and a flow restricting device may be installed to limit usage. 
• Water Shutoff and Reconnection: If violations are not resolved within the following twelve (12) months after the date of issuance of the fourth violation, the District may discontinue water service to the customer at the premises at which the violation(s) occurred. Where water service is disconnected, it will be reconnected upon correction of the condition or activity and the payment of the estimated reconnection charge and other applicable charges.

STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD EMERGENCY WATER CONSERVATION REGULATION

On 5-24-22, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted an emergency water conservation regulation that prohibits irrigation of non-functional turf (lawns) at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites.   This regulation went into effect on June 10, 2022.  Failure to comply with this new regulation may result in penalties.

To learn more about this new regulation please click on the following links:

Emergency Regulation Press Release

Water Conservation Emergency Regulation Frequently Asked Questions

Approval of Emergency Regulatory Action

AMI CUSTOMER PORTAL  

Every drop counts and as new conservation measures go into effect, we would like to remind you to sign up for the AMI Customer Portal if you have not done so already.  The AMI Customer Portal is an innovative and easy-to-use system that utilizes Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to allow customers to view their monthly, weekly, daily, or hourly water usage. This service is provided at no additional cost and can help reduce water usage and waste.  At a time when conserving water is important due to the ongoing drought conditions, this is a very helpful tool have at your disposal.  To register, please visit: https://www.vcpublicworks.org/wsd/customerportal/ 

WATER CONSERVATION LINKS

To learn more about how you can help conserve water, please visit bewaterwise.com using the following link: https://www.bewaterwise.com/index.html

To learn more about SoCal WaterSmart and the many rebates available through this program, please visit their website using the following link: https://socalwatersmart.com/en/residential

WATER CONSERVATION TIPS

Water is a precious resource in the State of California. As a result, water use efficiency is a priority for the State. We encourage our customers to use water wisely and follow these simple water conservation tips.

Indoor Conservation Tips

• Fix leaks, including leaky toilets
• Install water saving shower heads and ultra-low flush toilets
• Take shorter showers, ideally 5 minutes
• Monitor your water bill
• Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving
• Use dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only

Outdoor Conservation Tips

• Recycle indoor water to use on plants
• Refrain from watering your landscape when it rains
• Use a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of water from a hose
• Water your lawn or garden before 9 AM or after 4 PM
• Use a pool cover to cut down on water evaporation

WATER CONSERVATION ARCHIVES