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District & State Regulations

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MWD's Shortlist:  Conservation Best Practices

NOTE: Ordinance 97 contains details on the District's current water use restrictions.

Conservation is a California Way of Life!
Water use is also regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board

BAN on Irrigation of Non-Functional Turf Flyer 2022

3 Printable Water Saving Signs
for Rentals & Vacation Rentals

Current Condition:
Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency

Summary of Mandatory Restrictions

As of June 8, 2022: the District has adopted Ordinance 97 mandating actions to reduce water demand and improve water conservation in accordance with State regulations. Current restrictions on water use are summarized below:

  1. No washing of hard surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, patios and parking lots, except where necessary to protect health and safety.
  2. No watering of lawns/landscapes in a manner that causes runoff and / or within 48 hours after measurable (1/4 inch) precipitation.
  3. Limited times to irrigate landscapes: Exterior irrigation is allowed only between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. and no more often than every other day and for all customer classifications (excluding agriculture).
  4. Car washing restrictions. Vehicles may be washed only at commercial car washes or by bucket or hose equipped with a hand-operated shut off valve.
  5. Water must be recirculating if used in a fountain or other decorative water feature.
  6. Pools, spas and hot tubs: covers are required (to limit evaporation).
  7. Pools, spas and hot tubs: it is prohibited to fill new, or drain and refill existing, pools, spas, and hot tubs.  Existing water levels may be maintained; Filling / refilling may be authorized at the discretion of the General Manager upon written application to the District.
  8. Pond restrictions. Existing water levels may be maintained; ponds needing repair may be drained and/or filled only with District approval of written application; New ponds must be supplied by an alternate water source.
  9. Optional laundering. Hotels, Motels, etc. shall offer an option of not laundering towels and linens daily and shall display notice of this option.
  10. Table service restrictions. Restaurants and other eating establishments that provide table service shall refrain from serving water except upon specific request by a customer.
  11. Leaks must be repaired immediately. If repairs are delayed, water service to the property must be turned off to prevent water loss until the repair has been completed.

Penalties for Failure to Comply With Water Use Restrictions:

Warnings: A written warning will be issued for a first violation.

Fines: Second violation will be a fine of $250.
Third violation will be a fine of $500.
Fourth and subsequent violations will be a fine of $1,000.

Flow Restrictors: Upon a fourth violation, or upon a significant earlier violation, the General Manager may order installation of a flow restrictor.

Note: Penalties may fund conservation outreach and the purchase, if available, of additional water supplies to protect the health and safety of all customers.

Appeals and Exceptions: Any customer may appeal any decision made or fine imposed under District Ordinance 95 by filing a written appeal with the District within 30 days of written notice of the decision or fine.