State of California Water Resources Control Board Orders Emergency Water Conservation Measures
Thursday, June 9, 2022
by: California Strategies
Section: Government Affairs
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Early last week, the California Water Resources Control Board adopted emergency regulations as a result of the state’s ongoing severe drought to require local water agencies statewide to increase their drought level responses and adopt water conversation measures. The regulations will go into effect this week and will apply to all counties, including San Diego, even though San Diego County is not currently facing a water shortage.
 
Here’s what you should know:
  • Watering grass in front of or next to commercial, industrial, or institutional properties will be banned, starting June 10. Grass used for recreation, golf courses, sports fields, and community purposes is exempt. Trees are also exempt.
  • Water agencies must activate their "level two" responses by June 10. In San Diego, that means demand must be reduced by up to 20%, triggering the following actions:
    • Landscape irrigation is limited to no more than three assigned days per week on a schedule posted by the local water agency. This does not apply to commercial growers or nurseries, nor to the irrigation of golf course greens and trees.
    • Use of recycled or non-potable water, when available, is required for construction purposes.
    • Areas with no irrigation system must use a hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle.
    • Irrigation is prohibited during and within 48 hours of a rain event.
    • Washing of automobiles, vehicles, airplanes, and other mobile equipment is permitted only before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. with a hand-held container or a hand-held hose with shutoff nozzle. Washing is permitted at any time at commercial car washes. Car washes that do not use partially recirculated water will be subject to volume limits designated by a resolution of the water agency. Boats and boat engines are permitted to be washed down after use. Mobile equipment washings are exempt from these regulations where the health, safety, and welfare of the public are contingent upon frequent vehicle washings.
Since many of our members are in the City of San Diego, their Water Shortage Contingency Plan may be found HERE.
 
The California Water Resources Control Board updated regulations may be found HERE.
 
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