FAQs • Poway, CA • CivicEngage

Why is water from reservoir tanks and fire hydrants drained? Can it be used?: Flushing a fire hydrant or reservoir tank is necessary to maintain, protect and meet water quality standards. Only the required amount of water is released. And while it seems like a waste of water, reusing the water is not economical. In order to save $800 worth of water while lowering a reservoir for maintenance, it would cost $3,000 to collect and transport it to Lake Poway. City staff continues to monitor and evaluate new methods or tools that may be developed to make it economically feasible to capture and reuse this water.

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Water Conservation

1. Are turf replacement rebates available?: Yes, a Turf Replacement Program offered by the San Diego County Water Authority is accepting applications. For more information, visit the SoCal Water$mart website.

2. Where does our water come from?: The City of Poway imports nearly all of its water from Northern California and the Colorado River. The City purchases this water from the San Diego County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. About 5% of Poway’s water supply is recycled water purchased from the City of San Diego for irrigation in the Business Park.

3. Does the City use recycled water?: Yes. Poway has a recycled water distribution system serving the South Poway Business Park. The water is treated wastewater intended for outdoor irrigation only. The City of Poway pipes its wastewater to the City of San Diego for treatment, where it is processed as recycled water. Recycled water is transported, stored, and distributed through separate purple colored pipes.

4. Can the City provide recycled water in other parts of Poway?: The City is evaluating future opportunities to extend the pipeline in the Business Park and to Community Park. The City’s recycled water master plan further identifies areas such as golf courses, parks, and landscape maintenance districts to receive recycled water if the funding and infrastructure become available.

5. Can I install a gray water system?: Gray water reuses a household’s water from washing dishes, laundry, or bathing to irrigate landscaping. To legally install a gray water system, a permit from the County of San Diego is required. For more information, please contact the County's Environmental Health Division at (858) 565-5173 or view go to the Graywater Systems page.

6. Can I dig a well on my property?: San Diego County's Department of Environmental Health regulates water wells. For general information, call (858) 565-5173 or go to the Water Well Program website.

7. Why is water from reservoir tanks and fire hydrants drained? Can it be used?: Flushing a fire hydrant or reservoir tank is necessary to maintain, protect and meet water quality standards. Only the required amount of water is released. And while it seems like a waste of water, reusing the water is not economical. In order to save $800 worth of water while lowering a reservoir for maintenance, it would cost $3,000 to collect and transport it to Lake Poway. City staff continues to monitor and evaluate new methods or tools that may be developed to make it economically feasible to capture and reuse this water.

8. Who can I call if I observe water waste?: Water issues can be reported to the City by calling (858) 668-1215.