District outlines conservation measures
Ramona Municipal Water District has released mandatory water conservation restrictions, effective immediately, based on the state’s mandated water usage. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) set the Ramona water district’s reduction target at 28 percent.
Agricultural customers in the Special Agricultural Rate (SAWR) program have a mandatory 15 percent cutback.
Governor Jerry Brown issued a series of executive orders on April 1 to address California’s ongoing drought, including establishing a goal to reduce urban potable water use by 25 percent statewide. The governor’s action was in response to unprecedented drought conditions that have caused record low water levels in state water reservoirs and only 5 percent of historical snowfall levels recorded in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
In response to the governor’s call to action, on May 5, SWRCB adopted emergency regulations mandating all urban water suppliers cut potable water use by 8 to 36 percent depending on their residential gallons-per-capita-per-day average from July to September 2013.
Mandatory water conservation restrictions are in place statewide. The emergency regulations remain in effect through Feb. 13, 2016.
All RMWD customers must reduce water use by 28 percent based on their 2013 usage.
The following practices are now prohibited:
•Irrigating more than two days per week or irrigation that results in runoff.
•Irrigation during a rainstorm and for 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
•Using a hose to wash a motor vehicle, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
•Irrigation with potable water of ornamental turf on public street medians.
•Washing down driveways, patios and sidewalks (health and safety reasons excepted).
In addition, restaurants should only serve water to customers upon request and hotels and motels must offer guests the option to not have their linens and towels laundered daily, and prominently display this option in each guest room.
RMWD is asking all customers to continue to do their part to save water and suggests they check their bills for water use in units or gallons per day. One unit equals 748 gallons of water.
More ways to save water include:
•Fix all leaks immediately — it’s estimated 10 percent of all homes have a leak that wastes 90 gallons of water every day. Common leaks include worn toilet flappers or dripping faucets. Fixing leaks saves water and can save about 10 percent on a monthly water bill.
•Take advantage of rebates and incentives. Interest in rebates for high efficiency clothes washers and toilets, rotary sprinkler nozzles, and turf replacement have been overwhelming. For more information on rebates visit socalwatersmart.com.
•Monitor irrigation. Irrigation accounts for up to 60 percent of monthly water use, with as much as half of that water wasted due to over-watering or runoff. Learn to adjust your irrigation controller to avoid over-watering. Check soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule monthly. Turn your irrigation system off when rain is projected. Also, check sprinklers regularly, looking for broken and clogged heads, or over spray. Consider upgrading to rotary sprinkler nozzles, a drip irrigation system or a weather “Smart” irrigation controller.
•Eliminate unused turf. Remove unused turf and focus efficient irrigation practices on active turf, trees or vegetable gardens. Prioritize areas that will and won’t get water this summer, irrigating only high value areas.
•In the RMWD service area there are no watering schedules based on even- or odd-numbered addresses. Customers must irrigate before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
RMWD does not have jurisdiction over property owners who use well water.
The district said it is not fining customers for wasting water at this time but will send a warning letter. Customers can report water waste by completing a form on the district website. The report will be investigated and an advisory note will be sent to the site of the incident.
The watering schedule restrictions do not apply to the following:
•Irrigation systems using water efficient devices such as “Smart” irrigation controllers, drip or micro-irrigation, and rotating sprinkler nozzles.
•Commercial nurseries.
•Landscapes irrigated using drought-proof recycled water including parks, golf courses, or open space.
More information, is available at rmwd.org.