RIVERSIDE, Calif. – In response to the ongoing severe California drought, the State Water Resources Control Board approved an emergency regulation July 15 to ensure an increase in water efficiency, looking to meet the Governor’s call to action of a 20 percent reduction in water use statewide. Western currently meets the required water use restrictions as the District adopted a Water Shortage Contingency Plan in May 2009 and switched to water budget-based rates in 2011. “Both of these actions have resulted in great efficiency from customers,” explained John Rossi, Western’s GM, adding, “Demand is down, efficiency is up.”
Current Stage 1 MANDATORY Water Restrictions & Prohibitions
• Landscape watering is prohibited on all days of the week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Run-off must be eliminated from property.
• Hoses need to have automatic, shut-off nozzles
• All leaks, improperly adjusted sprinklers or other water conduits/fixtures that need repair must be corrected within 72-hours of District notification.
• No washing down sidewalks, driveways, patios or other paved or hard surface areas.
Western’s plan allows for two notices of violation, then a $100 penalty per day would apply.
Western & Customer Successes
• General water demand has been reduced, particularly in the spring months
• Imported water demand is down 17 percent since 2010
• Full compliance of the Water Conservation Act of 2009 (20 x 2020) has been achieved
• Over-budget water use is down 23 percent or 10 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) in 2013
• Water Use Efficiency Program participation is up
• Turf Replacement Program participation has jumped nearly 150 percent from 2013
“Helping our customers continue to reduce use through our programs is our goal,” said Tim Barr, Deputy Director of Water Resources. Customers can take advantage of a variety of efficiency programs, rebates and tips to help save:
• Free Efficiency Evaluations
• Turf Replacement Program Rebate
• Fall Master Gardener Workshops
• Landscape Design Examples at www.wmwd.com
