Desert Water Agency enacts stricter conservation measures
The historic drought has local water agencies adopting additional water restrictions in effort to achieve a mandatory 36 percent reduction of water use in the Coachella Valley.
The Desert Water Agency held a public hearing Tuesday morning in Palm Springs to inform its customers of the upcoming regulations that will be in place.
The event was standing-room only as the community came out in large numbers. One woman contacted us to say some people had to wait outside because it was too crowded.
DWA then held a second informational meeting for those who couldn’t get into the hearing.
“Despite significant efforts to conserve, this unprecedented drought requires us to do more,” said Jim Cioffi, vice president of DWA’s Board of Directors. “The state has mandated additional conservation measures, and Desert Water Agency thoughtfully reviewed and enacted additional water use restrictions to comply and increase conservation in the region.”
Following Tuesday’s public hearing, DWA amended the agency’s drought contingency plan through Resolution 1108, and the following uses of water are now prohibited (or continue to be prohibited):
Washing of hardscapes
Running water to wash vehicles (buckets and stop nozzles on hoses are permitted)
Filling fountains or other decorative water features (unless necessary for aquatic pets)
Using potable water outside of newly constructed homes and buildings that is not delivered by drip or micro-spray systems
Irrigation Restrictions:
Outdoor residential irrigation shall be restricted to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, after 7:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m.
A commercial, industrial or institutional customer may implement an alternative water use reduction plan that achieves reductions in water use equivalent to those expected from the restrictions prescribed herein, if approved in advance by the General Manager
Runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures is prohibited
Irrigating up to 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited
The use of potable water to irrigate turf within street medians, and turf within the dedicated right of way on either side of a public street, is prohibited
Additional restrictions for hotels and restaurants:
Restaurants may provide water to customers only upon request
Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily
In addition to these mandatory restrictions, DWA has asked customers to refrain from emptying and refilling swimming pools from June 1 through October 31 (unless necessary to address a health or safety emergency).
Officials said the State Water Board extended and augmented its emergency drought regulations for statewide mandatory conservation on March 17, which preceded the Governor’s Executive Order to reduce statewide water use by 25 percent on April 1.
DWA’s newly adopted mandatory water use restrictions comply with the State Water Board’s emergency regulations and aim to incorporate aspects of the Governor’s Executive Order, according to the release.
However, the DWA may have to adopt additional conservation measures to be compliant with the Governor’s Executive Order once the final regulatory framework is adopted at the beginning of May.
Governor Jerry Brown issued statewide mandatory water reduction of 25 percent. Different conservation goals were assigned to each urban area based on per capita water use. The assigned state conservation goals range from 4 percent to 36 percent.
“To achieve a mandatory 36 percent reduction in water use, on top of the 20 percent we’ve already achieved, Desert Water Agency may have to consider adopting additional mandatory conservation measures, compelling desert residents to rethink their water use,” added Cioffi. “We will continue to include the public in the process. We appreciate all of our customers who took the time to attend our public hearing this morning, and we encourage those of you who still have questions to reach out to us and get your questions answered.”
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your water use, DWA offers a number of voluntary water-saving programs and rebates, such as free Smart Irrigation Controllers. Officials said the agency invested $1M into its popular turf buyback program and launched a public education campaign to increase awareness in 2014.
Learn more about DWA’s conservation programs
The Coachella Valley Water District has scheduled a meeting on Tuesday, April 28 at 9 a.m. at its Coachella office to announce and go over its restrictions.
And the Mission Springs Water District that serves the Desert Hot Springs area will hold a meeting on Monday, April 27 at 9 a.m. at its board office to go over new regulations as well.
