EVMWD approves mandatory water restrictions

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Canyon Lake’s representative to the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors, Nancy Horton, read a portion of EVMWD’s recent decision with regard to mandatory water restrictions at Tuesday night’s CLPOA Board of Directors meeting. The announcement can be found at evmwd.com.

In response to Governor Brown’s executive order for mandatory water reductions, the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors voted to implement the EVMWD Water Shortage Contingency Plan Stage 4a and is authorizing mandatory reductions to outdoor water use.

[pullquote]EVMWD is mandating Stage 4a guidelines for all customers which will require reduced outdoor watering by at least half.[/pullquote]

“Our conservation efforts of the past were commendable, but in a time of historic drought, extra measures must be taken,” says Phil Williams, president of the board of directors. “The state is requiring that EVMWD and its customers reduce water use significantly. It is vital that we all work together and improve water use efficiency every way we can.”

While EVMWD understands that its customers will have the largest impact on its water savings, EVMWD takes seriously the importance of finding new and efficient ways of conserving resources at the district level.

EVMWD is exploring several local water supply options and is embarking on several well conversions and replacements over the next few years that will help alleviate some of our region’s dependence on expensive imported water. In addition, EVMWD is utilizing its recycled water supply for irrigation purposes in and around our community.

EVMWD is also working with cities to ensure that new development meets a more strict standard when it comes to landscapes and irrigation. EVMWD is on the forefront of water use efficiency, having developed a landscape ordinance that now requires new development to meet landscaping and irrigation criteria, including the banning of turf in front yards. Along with the outdoor reduction of water use, EVMWD is working with developers to ensure they understand the need for more water efficient appliances and fixtures inside the home.

Though EVMWD is doing what it can to reduce its need for imported water, EVMWD is relying on help from its customers. To meet the state imposed 28 percent reduction goal, EVMWD is mandating Stage 4a guidelines for all customers which will require reduced outdoor watering by at least half.

Customers will be asked to reduce outdoor irrigation to two days a week under the new guidelines. Customers with addresses ending in odd numbers may water their landscape on Mondays and Thursdays. Customers with addresses ending in even numbers may water their landscape on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Current Stage 4a Mandatory Water Use Restrictions

Other guidelines now required of EVMWD customers are as follows:

Water Use Prohibitions:

• Washing down sidewalks or driveways
• Watering during or within 48 hours after a rain event.
• Overwatering, causing water to run off of a landscaped area
• Washing your vehicle on your property.
• Filling, refilling or adding water to your uncovered pool or spa.
• Using a fountain or water feature unless the water is recirculated.
• Watering on windy days.
• Providing water at restaurants or food establishments unless requested.

Guidelines for outdoor water use and irrigation for residential and commercial:

• Use sprinkler irrigation systems after 6 p.m. and before 6 a.m.
• Limit sprinkler operation to no more than two times per week on odd/even calendar days based on last digit of service address.
• Watering by hand, with drip irrigation or reclaimed water is okay during daylight hours.
• Sprinklers and irrigation systems should be adjusted to avoid overspray, runoff and waste.
• Fix leaks or broken irrigation equipment to reduce waste.
• Hotels and motels allowing guests to not have towels and bed linens changed daily.
• Having a cover on your pool to reduce evaporation.
• EVMWD will continue to provide customers with as many tools as possible to help its customers stay within their water budgets. If water budgets are exceeded, customers will be penalized for excessive use under the restrictions. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the many water saving rebates and free programs EVMWD offers. Programs including turf replacement and water evaluations are available at www.evmwd.com/conservation.

Fines

Customers who do not comply with the stated restrictions and guidelines will be subject to the following fines, as stated in EVMWD’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan for Stage 4a violations.
Violation of Stage 4a Water Shortage Restrictions

First: Written Notice

Second: Written Notice

Third: $200

Fourth: $400

Fifth and any subsequent violations: $500

Sixth: Flow restrictor installed at the meter

Penalties

Drought penalties are imposed on customers who do not stay within their water budget during Stage 3, 4 or 5 water shortage. Customers are given an indoor and outdoor water budget. Once a customer exceeds their outdoor budget, they are in the inefficient tier and must pay a penalty.
For more information, visit evmwd.com.