City of Redding Water Utility officials are asking customers to redouble their efforts to conserve water to meet the state mandate to cut water use by 36 percent compared with 2013.
The City’s conservation rate so far in October (through Sunday) is just 13.19 percent – far below the amount ordered by the state. Since June 1, City customers have reduced water use by 28.36 percent.
Officials note that Redding customers did an excellent job of conserving during the hottest summer months, nearly achieving the 36 percent goal. With cooler fall weather, much less irrigation is needed now but residents and gardeners must take steps to reduce irrigation by re-setting sprinkler timers. Here are several simple but effective options:
- Set sprinklers to water just one or two days per week instead of three.
- Most timers have a “seasonal adjustment” to reduce the amount of water during each session. Change the setting to 70 percent or less of normal.
- Stop lawn irrigation totally and replace the turf with drought-tolerant landscaping. Fall is an excellent time to plant and rebates are offered through the state Department of Water Resources for removing turf. Information on the rebates is available at the www.SaveOurWater.com web site.
Trees that normally receive consistent watering during the hot summer months require less water in the fall as they begin to go into dormancy. Irrigation to them can be reduced accordingly, water officials say.
The City of Redding is required to report monthly to the state on its water use and amount of conservation. If it falls short of the required 36 percent, it must provide specific information about what it is doing to achieve that mark. The state Water Resources Control Board has the power to fine water agencies up to $10,000 per day for failing to conserve.
As a reminder, here are the ongoing water restrictions in effect for City of Redding customers:
Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only.
Odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday only.
No one is permitted to water outdoor landscapes on any Monday.
Permitted time to water is between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. only.
Overwatering to the point of run-off is prohibited.
Conspicuous watering of streets and sidewalks is prohibited.
