State Water Board Raises Conservation Requirements For Urban Suppliers

Photo by Aaron Castrejon.

Just over one week after state water officials made a splash with plans for strict reduction goals for some of California’s biggest water users, proposed guidelines have been revised, potentially making compliance even tougher.

Urban water suppliers whose average July through Sept. 2014 residential gallons per capita per day exceeded 215 will have to reduce its water usage by 36 percent, according to the State Water Resources Control Board.

State officials previously recommended a 35 percent reduction in water usage. The revision to the draft emergency drought regulations were published April 18.

The goal of Governor Jerry Brown is to achieve a statewide 25 percent reduction in water consumption by February of 2016.

City officials announced the morning of April 20 some additions to Glendora’s already in-use Stage 1 Mandatory Conservation measures, such as no watering of turf or landscapes during and 48 hours following a measurable rain event, limiting outdoor irrigation to twice a week and a reduction in water usage by 25 percent.

A letter was also mailed to residents, detailing the additions to city conservation requirements.

State officials are scrambling to find newer, stricter conservation methods as this drought “will likely continue for the foreseeable future,” Control Board officials said in the draft regulations document.

Some of the draft regulations proposed seek to prevent:

  • The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures
  • The use of a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle, except where the hose is fitted with a shutoff nozzle or device attached to it that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use;
  • The application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks
  • The use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system
  • The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall
  • The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, cafes, cafeterias, bars, or other public places where food or drink are served and/or purchased
  • The irrigation with potable water of ornamental turf on public street medians
  • The irrigation with potable water outside of newly constructed homes and buildings that is not delivered by drip or microspray systems

Glendora leaders are waiting for the draft regulations to be adopted in early May before unveiling their plan for complying with the updated drought restrictions.

Glendora offers free water efficiency reviews for residents and businesses to help achieve greater reductions by calling (626) 852-4838.

City leaders may be considering an expansion of rebates, targeting large residential/commercial properties, residential mandates for rain barrels & retention, Smart Meter expansion, continuing to reduce city turf, expanding public outreach and partnering with government entities.

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