As the drought continues, and with an eye to more state mandated conservation actions, Coachella Valley Water District has added new mandatory steps to increase domestic water conservation.
The actions are part of the District’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan adopted in June 2021. The plan includes six shortage levels, ranging from normal water supplies to severe shortage. The new steps are Level 2 that anticipates slightly limited water supplies and outdoor water use restrictions.
The District board approved these items that are in effect:
- Limit outdoor water use to before 10 am and after sunset for spray irrigation.
- Limit water service in restaurants to only on request.
- Discourage overseeding.
- Boost public information campaign.
- Encourage enforcement agencies and HOAs to suspend code enforcement and fines for brown turf grass areas.
- Increase turf rebates from $2 per square foot to $3 per square foot.
If the drought crisis continues, CVWD could enact Level 3. That step means water supplies are moderately limited and outdoor water use will face added restrictions.
Here are some possible Level 3 actions:
- Outdoor watering limited to three days a week for spray irrigation.
- Drip irrigation allowed seven days a week during non-daylight hours.
- Decorative ponds, non-irrigation system gold course water hazards, fountains and other waterscape features cannot be filled or replenished.
- Spray irrigation of parkways and medians prohibited.
- Rebate programs expanded.
- Commercial car washes must use recycled water or recirculating water systems.
For the latest drought updates for the Coachella Valley, click here: cvwd.org/261/Drought-Updates.
Coachella Valley Water District is a public agency governed by a five-member board of directors. The district provides domestic and irrigation water, agricultural drainage, wastewater treatment and reclamation services, regional stormwater protection, groundwater management and water conservation. It serves approximately 108,000 residential and business customers across 1,000 square miles located primarily in Riverside County, but also in portions of Imperial and San Diego counties.