City adopts resolution implementing additional emergency water conservation regulations
June 17, 2015
In response to California Governor Jerry Brown's mandate calling for a statewide reduction in water usage, the Cerritos City Council has adopted a resolution requiring water conservation measures to curb water usage by 28 percent in Cerritos. These measures expand upon the water conservation measures required in a resolution that was adopted in August 2014.
Except when necessary to address an immediate health or safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a state or federal agency, the new resolution prohibits the following:
- The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures. Water runoff is defined as water accumulation sufficient to cause a flow of water off of landscaped areas;
- Use of potable water for irrigation during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation;
- The use of a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle, except when the hose is equipped with a shut-off nozzle;
- The application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks; and
- The use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water, unless the water is part of a recirculating system.
Residential and commercial landscape areas are to be watered between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. for no more than 10 minutes per station. Watering is limited to two times per week during the months of June through September, and one time per week during the months of October through May.
Landscape irrigation for commercial nurseries and growers, fire and erosion protection, the protection of endangered species, environmental mitigation projects and properties using reclaimed water are exempt from this provision. Also exempt are watering using a handheld container or a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle, and the use of an irrigation system for short durations to make repairs. Use of a drip irrigation system is permissible.
Violation of the regulations is subject to a fine of up to $500 per day. The emergency water conservation regulations will remain in effect until the state mandated restrictions expire, at which time the Cerritos City Council will review the water supply conditions to determine the need for continued mandatory conservation measures.
Additional water conservation tips follow:
- Fix broken sprinklers immediately.
- Landscape with drought-tolerant plants.
- Put a layer of mulch around trees to retain moisture.
- Take shorter showers.
- Run only full loads in clothes washers and dishwashers.
- Install aerators on the kitchen faucet to reduce flow.
- Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator.
- Don't leave the water running when washing dishes, brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Fix leaking faucets and save 20 gallons of water per day.
- Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap.
- Avoid flushing toilets unnecessarily; dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash instead.
- For fish owners, when you clean your fish tank, use the water you've drained on your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer.
For information on California's drought and more tips on how to save water, visit ca.gov/drought.
