Impact of the California Drought

Impact of the California Drought

On August 12, 2021, the District Board of Directors passed Resolution 633, Implementing Stage 2 of the 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan and Urging a Voluntary 15 Percent Reduction in Water Usage by all Customers in Response to Severe Drought Conditions due to the following:

• Extreme drought conditions in California.
• Proclamation issued by Governor Gavin Newsom on July 8, 2021, expanding declaration of State of Emergency in California due to the severe drought condition to include San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and calling on all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15 percent.
• Call from San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency asking all customers for a voluntary 15 percent water use reduction.

Prohibited - Non-Essential Water Uses During Drought or Water Shortage

• Use of potable water to clean, fill, or maintain levels in fountains, including recirculating fountains.
• Use of water for recreational toys and equipment.
• The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, tennis courts, or structures.
• The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
• Watering duration is limited to 15 minutes per day and two days per week.
• Watering or irrigating of lawn or landscape is prohibited between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Use of water through a hose or pressure washer to clean the exterior of any building, home, or driveway, except prior to painting or if required for health or safety purposes.
• The use of a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle, except where the house is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device attached to it that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use.
• Leaks, breaks, and malfunctions must be repaired in a timely matter.
• The use of water through a commercial meter when the customer has been given a 7-day notice to repair broken or defective plumbing or sprinkler system.
• Hotels and motels shall provide quests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.
• The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, cafes, cafeterias, bars, or other public places where food or drink are served and/or purchased.
• The use of water for city street sweepers/washers, except when approved by the District.

See website for complete ordinance HERE