Indio Water Authority expands outdoor watering to 7-days per week

Another Coachella Valley water utility is easing outdoor water conservation restrictions based on local and state water supply conditions.

Officials at the Indio Water Authority announced Tuesday morning that they will be expanding outdoor watering hours to before 6 a.m., and after 6 p.m., seven days a week now.

On June 7, the Desert Water Agency decided to allow its customers extra watering days this summer, and in May, the Coachella Valley Water District announced it would be lifting drought penalties for its customers.

The previous schedule allowed for outdoor watering during those hours on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday only. According to the I.W.A.’s release, the drought penalty surcharge will remain in effect to further encourage water conservation, but will only apply to residents who exceed their water budget.

“Our residents have made great strides in a collective effort to conserve water,” said IWA General Manger Brian Macy. “Although conditions have begun to improve after five consecutive years of drought, we must continue to be diligent in our goal of long-term responsible water usage.”

Mandatory water use restrictions include:

Outdoor watering is allowed every day before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Washing of hardscapes (sidewalks, driveways, pavement, etc.) is prohibited
Water run-off onto hardscapes is prohibited
Using a hose without a shut-off nozzle to wash vehicles is prohibited
Irrigating up to 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited
Restaurants may only serve drinking water upon request

Indio Water Authority continues to offer free indoor water conservation kits, outdoor irrigation audits and several rebates including:

Washing machines
Low-flow toilets
Turf removal
Irrigation equipment
Smart controllers

You can call (760) 391-4129 to report water waste in Indio.