Drought is nothing new to California, as the entire state has been in this condition for more than four years. Even so, debates among politicians and communities have varied regarding the best way to manage the growing water crisis.
Much of the conversation has been laid to rest with Governor Brown’s Executive Order that directs the State Water Board to implement water restrictions throughout California. Though these regulations may differ between districts, you may wonder how the drought regulations will impact you.
Using the city of Redding as one example, citizens are expected to cut water production by 36 percent, or 10,771 gallons for 2015.
Redding has provided a list of water management do’s and don’ts:
Do:
- Customers whose street addresses end with an odd number may water only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday within the permitted time.
- Customer whose street addresses end with an even number may water only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday within the permitted time period.
- Irrigate outdoor landscapes or turf on your watering days only from (9pm-middnight and from midnight-7am).
- Hotels/Motels must offer their guests the option to have linens and towels laundered less often. Serve drinking water in eating establishments only if requested.
Don’t:
- Water when it is raining, or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
- Water landscapes outside of your prescribed days and times (9pm-midnight and midnight-7am).
- Allow outdoor irrigation to run off onto sidewalks, driveways, parking lots or structures.
- Use a hose that does not have a shut-off nozzle to wash a motor vehicle.
- Apply potable (drinking) water to sidewalks and driveways.
- Use potable (drinking) water in a fountain or water feature unless it is in a recirculating system.
As far as enforcement is concerned, the city admits it cannot monitor its 30,000 accounts. However, it will investigate citizen complaints. Penalties will be limited to no more than three violations beginning with a courtesy warning notice, followed by a notice of correction sent to the offending customer, and, finally, a citation with a $50-fine.
Will these restrictions be enough to meet the city’s water usage reduction demands? Can more be done to save water?
How might businesses, such as restaurants, car washes, schools, and large employers such as hospitals and lumber mills be affected by these restrictions? And will these businesses face the same restrictions and penalties as citizens?
These are among the many questions I plan to answer in this Waterwise series.
I’m interested in your thoughts on this subject. Please feel free to share in the comments section your ideas and opinions on the drought and water conservation and regulation.
