California easing up on water restrictions after recent storms
Recent rain and snowfall in California have dramatically changed conditions in many parts of the state. On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom eased drought emergency provisions that are no longer needed while maintaining others to support impacted communities statewide.
The main change following Newsom's announcement is the state will not require water agencies to be at Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Also, the governor is no longer calling on residents to cut water use by 15%.
Coachella Valley Water District spokesperson Lorraine Garcia said local water agencies could soon be able to switch from Level 2 restrictions to Level 1.
Current Level 2 restrictions include:
- No spray/sprinkler irrigation during daylight hours
- Restaurants to provide water only to guests that ask for it
"There still are some areas that are under drought orders. That is not in the Coachella Valley and so that's why we're considering moving back to level one," said Garcia.
Level 1 restrictions that would remain:
- Prohibition on watering ornamental/non-functional turf
- Water waste provisions such as no watering during or after significant rain, washing down driveways, sidewalks, patios
However, before any changes can be made, Desert Water Agency spokesperson Melinda Weinrich said most local water agencies are waiting on a formal announcement from the State Water Resources Control Board.
"Eventually, things will change locally. But it's got to start at the State Water Resources Control Board. Then it comes down locally to our boards to make those changes based on the community needs and what the water supply looks like," said Weinrich.
Both DWA and CVWD plan to discuss the change in restrictions at their next board meeting. DWA has its board meeting on April 4 and CVWD has its meeting on April 11.
"Here in Coachella Valley, it's really important that we understand that we always need to be water efficient," said Weinrich.
