Poway, CA – This past month, Governor Brown took an unprecedented step to address the current historic drought conditions. The Governor issued an Executive Order mandating all Californians to reduce water use by 25%. To reach this requirement, the State Water Resources Control Board has proposed specific reduction levels for each community based on 2013 water use. The State has proposed that Poway reduce its water use by 32%. If approved, these mandatory water reductions will take effect on June 1.
On April 7, the Poway City Council approved additional outdoor watering restrictions that begin on May 1. Outdoor watering will be limited to two designated days per week, before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., and for less than 10 minutes per station. The designated watering days are as follows:
• Homes with street addresses ending in an odd number: Sunday and Thursday
• Homes with street addresses ending in an even number: Saturday and Wednesday
• Apartments, condos, and businesses: Monday and Friday
The City has already begun taking steps to conserve water at City facilities and parks. On April 22, the City Council authorized staff to begin removing nearly 86,000 square feet of grass at eleven City facilities and parks reducing the City’s annual water use by 2.9 million gallons. In compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order, the City will also stop watering grass on City-maintained street medians unless irrigated with reclaimed water. In addition, the City has begun installing water-efficient showerheads and dual-flush toilet valves in City facilities, using water-wise landscaping in parking lots, and installing smart irrigation controllers.
As a City, we have only begun to address this water crisis and must continue to make changes in our day-to-day routines. In order to further conserve, we must now look for long-term sustainable water conservation solutions. For more information about water restrictions, rebates, free water audits and more visit www.poway.org/waterconservation.