Coachella Valley Water District lifting drought penalties

Coachella Valley Water District customers will no longer face drought penalties after June 1st.

The Board of Directors voted Tuesday to lift the penalties after the state decided to end mandatory conservation targets in favor of water supply-based targets, giving local water districts more control.

The water district also announced changes to its water use restrictions.

CVWD will now focus on its long-term plan that calls for a 20% reduction in water use by 2020.

CVWD General Manager Jim Barrett says eliminating overdraft of the aquifer is critical and can be done without the state’s previous conservation target of 36% which was then reduced to 32%.

Here are the updated water restrictions that will remain in effect through January:

-No irrigation during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
-Broken sprinklers must be repaired within 24 hours of notification.
-Eating establishments may only serve drinking water upon request.
-Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.
-Applying water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff to adjacent property, roadways, parking lots, etc. is prohibited.
-Using a hose to wash an automobile, windows, solar panels, and tennis courts, except where the hose is equipped with a shut-off nozzle, is prohibited.
-Applying any water to any hard surface including, but not limited to, driveways, sidewalks, and asphalt is prohibited.
-HOA’s or community service organizations cannot block, stifle, or threaten homeowners from reducing or eliminating the watering of vegetation or lawns during a declared drought emergency.

Residents can find more information on conservation programs here: www.cvwd.org/conservation.