State-mandated water restrictions, what Coachella Valley residents need to know
As California goes into its third year of drought, the State Water Board is requiring local water agencies to move on to their Level 2 drought response plans. The unanimous vote happened on May 24.
What does the statewide drought declaration mean for the local area?
There is not a water shortage locally, but local water agencies need to follow the State’s direction by June 10.
In response, Desert Water Agency will start its Level 2 drought plan with board approval on June 7.
Desert Water Agency water restrictions Level 2:
- Outdoor spray irrigation is prohibited during daylight hours except for leak checks or with an agency approved conservation alternative plan
- Restaurants can only provide drinking water to customers if they request it
- Agency will increase water waste patrol
"We're just trying to ensure that people are really, really aware of where they're using their water, and what is wasteful use," said Clark Elliot, a conservation specialist with the Desert Water Agency.
For a list of DWA's current restrictions, click HERE.
DWA is offering resources to residents to better understand how the new water rules will impact them. On their website, you can find commonly asked questions.
Coachella Valley Water District started its Level 2 drought actions back in April. Some of their conservation actions involve prohibiting outdoor water use between 10 a.m. and sunset for spray irrigation, limiting water service in restaurants to only on request, and increasing turf rebate amount.
What can you do to help conserve water?
DWA is partnering with residents, HOAs, and businesses to save water. It has a variety of conservation incentives residents can take advantage of:
- Grass removal
- Smart irrigation controllers
- Improved irrigation heads
- More efficient washing machines
CVWD residents can also apply for rebates too for both residential and HOA/commercial properties.
Residents can help DWA by reporting water waste they see in the community. Along with CVWD, which also offers an online form to report water waste.
"Water conservation and this kind of enforcement for water waste is not just because we want to be more efficient. It's so that we have water available for future generations," said Elliot.
