Indio releases Stage 2 water restrictions

The Indio City Council recently voted to enter Stage II of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan for Indio Water Authority (IWA) customers. This action will help ensure a stable and reliable water supply for Indio residents and businesses by addressing the drought. IWA will be reaching out to its customers to notify them of some new restrictions including:

Lawns and landscaping may be watered only between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. with irrigation repairs restricted to the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Applying water to driveways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces is prohibited.

Private vehicles may only be washed with a bucket or with a hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle.

Commercial car washes shall recycle water.

Eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel, caf, cafeteria, bar, club, or other public place where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered for sale, are prohibited from providing drinking water to any person unless expressly requested.

Water service through construction meters for grading or other construction purposes shall be used only between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Commercial nurseries may only use water for irrigation purposes between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Filling or replenishing decorative ponds, golf course water hazards which are not an integral part of the permanent irrigation or fire protection system, fountains, and other waterscape features is prohibited. Fountain pumps should remain off to minimize evaporation.

“Our goal is to work alongside and educate customers to avoid resorting to fines,” said Mayor Michael Wilson. “Helping our community conserve is critical, especially during this severe and lasting drought. I hope that every customer considers taking advantage of the rebates and incentives we are offering.”

Commit2Conserve is the Authority’s new conservation campaign aimed at raising awareness of the water-saving resources available to customers. The effort includes a water waster app, water waster hotline (760) 391-4129, indoor conservation kits, and rebates (turf removal, washing machine, low-flow toilet, irrigation equipment upgrade, WaterSmart controllers). Earlier this year, IWA implemented budget-tiered rates, which not only helped reduce water use but also provides funding for more conservation efforts.

For more information about Indio Water Authority and its conservation programs, call (760) 391-4038