WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
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Lake Oroville reservoir in Northern California, seen here in early 2014, is at 30% of capacity. (Photo Courtesy: California Department of Water Resources)
Walnut – The Walnut Valley Water District Board of Directors voted at their August 18 meeting to adopt a Stage 1 Water Supply Shortage. This action comes in response to the state’s ongoing drought and the recently enacted emergency regulations by the State Water Resources Control Board establishing statewide mandatory water use restrictions. These enhanced restrictions become effective August 28. Stage 1 restrictions are intended to further curtail outdoor water use which accounts for more than one half of a typical family’s monthly usage.
Adoption of the mandatory conservation measures are a result of the serious statewide drought impacting the entire State of California. Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought-related ‘State of Emergency’ in January of 2014. Since that time, California has experienced one of the driest snowpack and fourth lowest runoff in 100 years. As a result, mandatory water conservation measures are being implemented throughout the state. Some of the conservation measures in the Stage 1 include:
Limits on Watering Hours: watering your lawn or landscaping is prohibited between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
- Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks, or Malfunctions: All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the water user’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within five (5) days.
- No Excessive Water Flow or Runoff: Watering any landscaped area cannot cause excessive water flow or runoff onto the sidewalk or street.
- No Washing Down Hard or Paved Surfaces: Washing down hard or paved surfaces, such as sidewalks or driveways, is prohibited.
- Limits on Washing Vehicles: Using a hose to wash a vehicle is prohibited, except by use of a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
- Drinking Water Served Upon Request Only: Eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel, cafe, cafeteria, bar, or other public places, will not provide drinking water to any person unless expressly requested.
- Option to Decline Daily Linen Services at Commercial Lodging Establishments: Hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments are encouraged to provide customers the option of not having towels and linen laundered daily.
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Lake Oroville reservoir, seen here in 2011 (top) and in 2014 (bottom). The reservoir is one of the largest in California. (Photo Courtesy: California Department of Water Resources)
In 2009, the District adopted Ordinance No. 06-09-07, An Ordinance of the WVWD to Establish Water Use Efficiency Requirements and Water Supply Shortage Stages, to assist in managing our water supply. The ordinance has four stages, each with more progressively restrictive uses of water. The stages are enacted based on both short- and long-term water supplies and Board approval. WVWD for many years has encouraged voluntary conservation by keeping in effect since 2009 “Permanent Water Use Efficiency Requirements” that contained very similar restrictions as Stage 1 in preventing water waste.
When asked about the Board decision to adopt the mandatory water-saving measures, Board President, Barbara Carrera, noted, “Our District customers have done an excellent job using water wisely over the years. In light of the state’s current drought situation and the State Board’s recent adoption of the emergency conservation regulations, we must all take the extra step to save even more.” President Carrera went on to state that, “The District’s Board of Directors genuinely appreciates the efforts of all our customers to work together and save water wherever possible. Everyone working together to save water can make a very big difference in conserving our precious water supplies.”
The District’s customers for many years have reduced local water usage — we are asking for everyone to do a little more.
For questions about the new mandatory conservation measures or to learn more ways to save water, visit the District’s website at wvwd.com, or call customer service at (909) 595-1268.
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