Note: All municipal water retailers in California are required to implement the State Water Resources Board’s regulations effective Aug. 1 (see below). If you get your water from CLWA, SCWD, NCWD, Valencia Water Co. or County Water Works District 36, you should be hearing from one or more of those entities in the near future.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a measure by Chairman Don Knabe on Tuesday to adopt the State Water Resources Control Board emergency regulations for water conservation.
The motion calls for the implementation of the State’s regulations by August 1.
On July 15, the SWRCB adopted a resolution of emergency regulations, including:
* Prohibiting certain water uses, including washing down driveways and sidewalks, using a hose to wash a car unless it is fitted with a shut-off nozzle, and using potable water in a fountain unless the water is recirculated;
* Limiting outdoor watering to two days a week;
* Requiring suppliers to report per capita usage.
Unincorporated SCV residents won’t be able to do this more than 2 days a week.
“Eighty percent of California is suffering from extreme drought conditions with no relief in sight,” said Supervisor Knabe. “As the largest employer in Los Angeles County, we maintain and operate over 5,000 buildings and facilities. We need to ensure our house is in order and not only do our part in our unincorporated areas, but also set an example for the 88 cities in the County.”
The Department of Public Works will report back in 30 days on the status of implementation and any changes that need to be made to the County’s Water Wasting Ordinance to ensure compliance with the SWRCB regulations.
State Water Board Approves Emergency Regulation to Ensure Agencies and State Residents Increase Water Conservation
July 15, 2014
In response to the ongoing severe drought, on Tuesday the State Water Resources Control Board approved an emergency regulation to ensure water agencies, their customers and state residents increase water conservation in urban settings or face possible fines or other enforcement.
The new conservation regulation is intended to reduce outdoor urban water use. The regulation, adopted by the State Water Board, mandates minimum actions to conserve water supplies both for this year and into 2015. Most Californians use more water outdoors than indoors. In some areas, 50 percent or more of daily water use is for lawns and outdoor landscaping.
Many communities and water suppliers have taken bold steps over the years and in this year to reduce water use; however, many have not and much more can and should be done statewide to extend diminishing water supplies.
With this regulation, all Californians will be expected to stop: washing down driveways and sidewalks; watering of outdoor landscapes that cause excess runoff; using a hose to wash a motor vehicle, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle, and using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated. The regulation makes an exception for health and safety circumstances.
Larger water suppliers will be required to activate their Water Shortage Contingency Plan to a level where outdoor irrigation restrictions are mandatory. In communities where no water shortage contingency plan exists, the regulation requires that water suppliers either limit outdoor irrigation to twice a week or implement other comparable conservation actions. Finally, large water suppliers must report water use on a monthly basis to track progress.
Local agencies could ask courts to fine water users up to $500 a day for failure to implement conservation requirements in addition to their existing authorities and processes. The State Water Board could initiate enforcement actions against water agencies that don’t comply with the new regulations. Failure to comply with a State Water Board enforcement order by water agencies is subject to up to a $10,000 a day penalty.
“We are facing the worst drought impact that we or our grandparents have ever seen,” said State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus. “And, more important, we have no idea when it will end. This drought’s impacts are being felt by communities all over California. Fields are fallowed; communities are running out of water, fish and wildlife will be devastated. The least that urban Californians can do is to not waste water on outdoor uses. It is in their self-interest to conserve more, now, to avoid far more harsh restrictions, if the drought lasts into the future. These regulations are meant to spark awareness of the seriousness of the situation, and could be expanded if the drought wears on and people do not act.”
In addition to approving the emergency conservation regulation today, the State Water Board made a plea for water suppliers, communities and businesses to do even more. For example, water agencies are being asked to step up their programs to fix leaks and other sources of water loss, use more recycled water or captured stormwater, and find additional ways to incentivize demand reduction among their customers.
The new regulation was developed following two drought emergency declarations by Governor Brown. On January 17, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued a drought emergency proclamation following three dry or critically dry years in California.
The April 25 Executive Order issued by the Governor directs the State Water Board to adopt an emergency regulation as it deems necessary, pursuant to Water Code section 1058.5, to ensure that urban water suppliers implement conservation measures.
As drought conditions continue, the State Water Board may revisit this regulation and consider other measures to enhance conservation efforts throughout the state.
Following Board adoption, the regulation will likely go into effect on or about August 1, following submittal to the Office of Administrative Law. The emergency regulation remains in effect for 270 days, unless extended by the State Water Board due to ongoing drought conditions.
For more information on the proposals leading to this Board action, please visit the Emergency Water Conservation website.
Governor Brown has called on all Californians to reduce their water use by 20 percent and prevent water waste – visit SaveOurH2O.org to find out how everyone can do their part, and visit Drought.CA.Gov to learn more about how California is dealing with the effects of the drought.
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95 Comments
Joseph Garel two watering days?
Joseph Garel two watering days?
Now my garden and grass will die
Now my garden and grass will die
Roman Rokita
Roman Rokita
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304547704579565622649474370?mobile=y
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304547704579565622649474370?mobile=y
I hope they tell the HOAs
I hope they tell the HOAs
30 percent is spent by consumers and 50 % is spent by farmers… but whos gonna pay..we are.
30 percent is spent by consumers and 50 % is spent by farmers… but whos gonna pay..we are.
I know the regulations suck, but has anyone been to Castaic Lake lately? That was a wake-up call for me.
I know the regulations suck, but has anyone been to Castaic Lake lately? That was a wake-up call for me.
Has City Hall done anything about the sidewalk overeating that happens at night? I think SC City council should start at home before coming down on residents.
Has City Hall done anything about the sidewalk overeating that happens at night? I think SC City council should start at home before coming down on residents.
I know a few office parks that could water WAAAAAY less even if we’re not in a drought!
I know a few office parks that could water WAAAAAY less even if we’re not in a drought!
Took them long enough, So Cal is a desert people. They took our cherry farm water away in January so you can have a lawn?
Took them long enough, So Cal is a desert people. They took our cherry farm water away in January so you can have a lawn?
How about suing Nestle for sucking up all the water for profit?
There is no water shortage. There is a severe shortage of Republicans who believe humans and food producing farms are more important the Delta Smelt. A non endangered bait fish of no value to humans.
There is no water shortage. There is a severe shortage of Republicans who believe humans and food producing farms are more important the Delta Smelt. A non endangered bait fish of no value to humans.
Because humans are all that matter on this Earth.
Hmmm healthy economy vs a little fish
If the cost of food rises to a point where people can’t afford healthy fruits and vegetables , I say dump the fish
Dump the fish!!
Ingrid it’s not the fishes fault. Dump the liberals!!!!:-)
Kelly Spalliero
Yeah, Yeah Yeah!! We didn’t water for 5 years & now that I can ……….. I can’t !!!
Kelly Spalliero
Yeah, Yeah Yeah!! We didn’t water for 5 years & now that I can ……….. I can’t !!!
The horrible water shortage is caused by the politics in Sacramento. Billions of acre feet of water flow right out of the Sierra Nevada right into the San Francisco Bay instead of California’s aqueduct system. The is because of the psyco environmentalist who have Jerry Brown in their pocket. It is only liberal politcians screaming drought to protect fellow liberals. Only liberals.
Took that last night of the center media on Orchard at Lyons Ave..!
I see this 5 nights a week when I pick my wife up at 10PM..!
Rain or shine..!
Fine..!
You don’t have to put me on restriction SCV…
I’ll be happy to conserve when you take the first step and set the example for the rest of us..!
Hey, at least my timer has a weather sensor and doesn’t flood the whole street..!
Why don’t you try voting unanimously for some common sense over there at City Hall..?
I don’t suppose we hear a response from the city’s cheerleader here .
I don’t suppose we hear a response from the city’s cheerleader here .
Have you called city hall on this? They probably won’t know unless you tell ’em.
City has yo conserve yes. They also need ti look at fire conditions. It is a slippery slope. My HOA waters more than they need as well.
Daniel, thank you for sharing this photo. In response to the State’s water conservation directive, the City has reduced all landscape median irrigation by an additional 20% in advance of the August 1, 2014 requirement. Please know we will evaluate this area in the coming days, as well as our other medians over the next month, to determine how we can further reduce water run-off. We always appreciate when residents bring incidents like this to our attention. If you see anything in the future, please call (661) 286-4067 or the after-hours hotline at (661) 286-4050.
How about a heroin restriction Awsome Town!
To those who’ve posted photos & commented on the City Council – THIS IS NOT THE CITY. IT IS THE COUNTY.
Don’t confuse the hysterical with the facts
I completely understand that it’s not the city implementing this. And I’m glad they’re finally treating this situation with the seriousness that it deserves. I am curios though if the city is held to a comparable level of restrictions and penalties. I’m assuming they are.
Seriously? This city is in the county.
The city is physically “in” the county but they are two completely separate governmental jurisdictions. The city is the local government for the city; the county is the local government for the parts of the county that are not in a city (like Stevenson Ranch & Castaic).
So I live in Canyon Country which is in the City of Santa Clarita so I don’t have to abide by the restrictions? I can water 3 days/week without SCWD busting me?
So the city doesn’t have to comply to the restrictions?
It’s more complicated than that. This report pertains to an action of the county Board of Supervisors which affects how various divisions of the county will enforce an order of the State Water Resources Control Board. The order of the State Board doesn’t directly affect cities or county government agencies (except for county water works districts); it affects WATER AGENCIES and the PEOPLE who live within the water agencies’ jurisdiction. EFFECTIVE AUG. 1, all water agencies are ordered to limit their customers to 2 watering days per week, and all the rest. So, if you get your water from CLWA or SCWD or Valencia Water or Water Works District 36 or NCWD or similar agency, the restrictions apply to you effective Aug. 1.
It’s more complicated than that. This report pertains to an action of the county Board of Supervisors which affects how various divisions of the county will enforce an order of the State Water Resources Control Board. The order of the State Board doesn’t directly affect cities or county government agencies (except for county water works districts); it affects WATER AGENCIES and the PEOPLE who live within the water agencies’ jurisdiction. EFFECTIVE AUG. 1, all water agencies are ordered to limit their customers to 2 watering days per week, and all the rest. So, if you get your water from CLWA or SCWD or Valencia Water or Water Works District 36 or NCWD or similar agency, the restrictions apply to you effective Aug. 1.
Maybe this shouldn’t have happened…Doy!
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-delta-smelt-a-fish-more-important-than-people
Just build an aqueduct that runs from the east coast n case closed it always rains n the east coast has plenty of agua
Oh really? Tell that to Georgia and Florida.
Yes, well, it doesn’t say how LONG you can water for those two days….
Gloria
The County expects the City to enforce the restrictions. So it is up to the City by default.
Why doesn’t the County and/or the State give people incentives to change out their toilets, faucets and shower heads to low flow. That alone would make a big difference long term.
But they did! I received two new shower heads and other really good gadgets.
The state makes the rules; it’s your local water company that provides incentives. We ran a story recently where CLWA is offering $5 per square foot, or something like that, to take out your lawn.
And if we do not have enough water now, what happens when the new housing project builds more homes?
My thoughts are in line with yours, Sue. Why are we to conserve water when we see new construction of homes. I have always tried to conserve water.
It’s OK, because we’re all going to be forced to do so next month.
I would love to conserve water. As soon as I can replace my state-mandated low-flow toilet with one I don’t need to flush 5 times, I’ll get right on that!
Sad to see my home state shrivel up and blow away. Time for desalinization plants? I live in Colorado which has an abundance of water. Streams, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, creeks, all flow with water or are full to capacity. Here there is also a “drought”, with water monitors driving around Denver looking for scofflaws watering lawns between 10 am and 6 pm! Why? Revenue source due to fines? It is ridiculous. CA has a real drought CO is trying to create a drought by perception & restriction. Weird.
It’s all about planting drought tolerant plants. The newly planted medians are killing me. We live in the desert, people.
How about all the golf courses…they seem lovely and green, must be using lots of water?
Does this also apply to apartment complexes. I swear it comes on 3 times a day where I live.
I have read every article and document on this matter, and if I am being asked to comply, I need specifics!!! Yes only 2 watering days a week (how long/per watering) can I run for 7 minutes, or 15, or 30???? Where are the specifics to this??
The specifics are that your water company is working out the specifics and they’ll let you know when they’ve done it.
I agree with the comments about the city needing to also conserve, I watched the tree watering truck water the sidewalk along with the trees On Seco today. Gallons lost.
I sure hope that guy on Palomita stops hosing down the street around his house
Santa Clarita Plaza at the corner of Bouquet and Seco at 6:15am this morning, waste running down the side walk
No more new housing… Overpopulation … Something to ponder.
Police State.
DeEtte Albinski Lawrence Albinski time to invest in some artificial turf!
Does this mean my neighbor can only water peoples cars 2 times a week
Will the HOA’s make exemptions for brown lawns or still issue fines?
Water your garden but not your grass. Follow the rule of if it’s brown flush it down. If it’s yellow let it mellow. Get wet in the shower. Turn it of while soaping up and washing hair. Turn it back on to rinse. I remember two minute showers from living thru the Utah drought. It is up to all of us to be water wise.
Farmers usually have exclusion.
Since we are in such a drought, why is Santa Clarita still allowing all the new housing communities to be built? Large communities.
It’s a good time to be on a well:)
Cities, counties, Special Districts are all “Creatures of the State” according to law.
Robyn Zakar
How do we find out what is expected of us since we rent out our home in Valencia and live out of state? Alan Zada….we need to make some changes to sprinklers.
Lets talk about all the broken sprinklers in the medians or on city property. Or the sprinklers that water half the sidewalks. The city needs to fix their water waste before the tell us how to use ours
Fantastic! I’m so done seeing people water their driveways!
April Newcomb CAUSE WERE IN A DROUGHT
What about pool refilling?
No idea. That will be a question for your water provider AFTER they finalize their compliance plan, which could come as early as July 29.
We only have 9 days left and so many questions that aren’t being answered. I just called Valencia Water Company about the two days of watering, the lady had no clue and transferred me to an answering machine. I just spent thousands of dollars having brand new lawns put in April, now you want me to kill them?
Bummer! Shame on whomever told you to do that. They should have known better. This happens every 10 years or so. As for the water agencies, they don’t yet have anything to tell you because they haven’t yet dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s on their course of action on exactly HOW to comply with the state order (which they must do.) There’s a meeting scheduled for July 29 at which time they’re expected to do that. (The Aug. 1 deadline applies to the agencies; doubt the state is going to send out state police on Aug. 1 to check out individual lawns. One thing the water agencies will likely be discussing is an enforcement plan.)
Can’t believe it has taken So Cal this LONG to take any action. Disgusting.
Lol people, the state is low on water. Just do your part, why worry about everyone else? Drive to the valley and look at the reservoir that is almost completely dry. We all need to cut back a little.
Just build a desalinization plant 55 miles away right next to the largest body of water on the planet.
BTW, approximately 40% of food grown in California goes to waste. That’s a lot of food that didn’t need to be grown and watered. The farmers use some overwhelming majority of the states water and they over grow
It’s about time. The bubble is being forcibly popped! Uncomfortable but a necessity..
Dry trees and grass are fire danger. Any idea on how we should prevent fires?