City decreases time allowed for watering




 

 

Camarillo’s parched lawns are going to get even drier.

Outdoor watering rules have changed, and residents must now restrict watering to once a week for 10 minutes—five minutes less than previous guidelines.

The city adopted the new water conservation urgency ordinance at an Aug. 24 City Council meeting to align with requirements released June 14 from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

“Continued significant water conservation by everyone is necessary to comply with state and Metropolitan Water District requirements,” Public Works Director David Klotzle said during the meeting. “We may see further restrictions on the use of water, including the possibility of zero outdoor water use.”

Effective Sept. 1, the 10-minute limit applies only to residential outdoor watering.

The city’s previous ordinance, adopted May 25, already prohibits watering of nonfunctional turf with potable water at commercial, industrial and institutional sites as well as common areas at condos, apartments and retirement communities.

Residents may only water their lawn between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Homes with even addresses are allowed to water only on Tuesdays and odd addresses only on Thursdays.

There are no limitations for drip-type irrigation systems, recycled water and hand-watering of trees and shrubs. Watering “functional” grass at parks, athletic fields and golf courses will also be allowed but only as needed to maintain the health of the grass.

The goal of the ordinance remains the same: a 20% to 30% reduction in water use compared to 2020, as mandated by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

To date, the city has seen a 15% reduction among residents, Klotzle said.

“It’s noticeable around town that folks are using less water for outdoor irrigation. . . .” he said. “The city is doing its part also to conserve water, reducing irrigation of landscaping maintained by the city to minimal levels.”

The city initially predicted that Metropolitan would prohibit outdoor watering completely in September but is now predicting the change might come in October.

“That is an indication of better news than not, and if things can continue on the conservation front, hopefully we will not have to enact further restrictions,” Klotzle said.

Staff also provided details on how the city is enforcing the water conservation measures.

In May 2021, the city approved a three-year, $240,000 contract with Green Media Creations, a Los Angeles-based environmental consultant, for water conservation support services.

To achieve the required conservation goals, the city increased the contract to $440,000 in June 2022.

Over the past three months, Green Media Creations has increased its efforts to educate the public about the need for water conservation, sharing information through multiple platforms, in-person visits and educational courses.

“The city’s vigorous public information campaign to notify city water customers of the increased level of water conservation requirements continues,” Klotzle said, adding that the latest guidelines will be posted on the city’s website and social media.

In addition to monitoring water customers during weekdays, Green Media now monitors customers at night and on the weekends.

“The patrols are customer-service friendly with the main goal being to communicate with and educate residents about current water conservation measures,” Michelle Glueckert D’Anna, assistant to the city manager, told the Acorn.

When the team becomes aware of a customer watering outside of allowed hours, it places a door hanger on the home as a warning. If the violation is not resolved, the city later sends a noncompliance letter.

Residents who repeatedly violate the ordinance can face fines.

Since June 1, Glueckert D’Anna said, the city has issued 257 door hangers, 11 noncompliance letters and no fines, as of Aug. 30.

For more information about water conservation efforts and requirements, go to cityofcamarillo.org/waterconservation or call (805) 388-5373.