Santa Monica Responds to Statewide Emergency Water Conservation Regulations

As the drought worsens, the City of Santa Monica is urging its water customers, workers and visitors to step up their water conservation efforts in response to the statewide emergency water conservation regulations adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board.

In February, the City enacted its Water Shortage Response Plan asking customers to voluntarily reduce water use by 20% from last year's usage data. Since that time, usage has increased 2%. This condition is straining local groundwater and limited imported water supplies. City staff will be asking Council to adopt the Water Shortage Response Plan - Stage II, requiring mandatory restrictions (20% reduction target), on August 12, 2014. Details about mandatory restrictions will be forethcoming.

Existing water use restrictions include the following:

No watering between 10 AM to 4 PM any day of the week

No irrigation runoff and overspray

No hosing hardscapes such as driveways, sidewalks and patios

No washing vehicles with a hose that does not have a shut off nozzle and no runoff from washing vehicles

No wasting water

No leaks

No fountains without a recirculating system

No food establishments shall serve water unless requested

Santa Monica is increasing enforcement of these restrictions in order to keep a sustainable level of water supply throughout this drought and into the future.

To start taking action, visit sustainablesm.org/water for tips and rebate information.

To report water waste, call (310) 458-4984 or email code.compliance@smgov.net. Please provide the address, date and time the violation occurred and if this is a recurring event. Staff will follow-up promptly. For rebates visit, sustainablesm.org/rebate.