The Vallecitos Water District has declared a Stage 2 drought level, prompting mandatory water-use restrictions for all Vallecitos customers. In response to the dry winter seasons during the past two years and the judicial pumping restriction to the region, reservoir levels have been severely drained forcing San Diego County Water Authority to cut supplies to its 24 members, including Vallecitos.
This will result in a supply reduction to Vallecitos customers of approximately 10 percent. Starting July 1, 2009, Vallecitos will alter rates as well as enact Level 2 of its Drought Ordinance to lower water demand so it falls in line with the allocation cut by Vallecitos’ water wholesaler. As detailed in Vallecitos’ Board-approved ordinance, the mandatory conservation actions for Level 2 are listed below. Vallecitos thanks everyone for their assistance during this most challenging water-supply period plaguing the entire state of California to date.
Mandatory Conservation Actions for Level 2 Drought
Residential and commercial landscape irrigation will be limited to no more than three days per week (not assigned days), and no more than once a week from November through May. (Excludes commercial growers and nurseries).
Irrigation using sprinklers will be limited to no more than 10 minutes per watering station per day. (Systems using water-efficient devices are excluded).
Stop washing down pavements, including sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts or patios.
Prevent water waste associated with inefficient landscape irrigation, as well as flows onto non-targeted areas such as nearby properties, hardscapes, or roadways.
Irrigate only before 10 am and after 6 pm
Use a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle or bucket to irrigate landscapes not connected to an automatic system.
Stop operation of ornamental fountains, unless re-circulated water is used.
Wash vehicles using a bucket and hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle, mobile high pressure/low volume wash system or at a commercial site that re-circulates water onsite.
Serve and refill water in restaurants only upon request. Offer guests of commercial lodging the option of not laundering towels and linens daily.
Repair all water leaks within 72 hours of notification by the Vallecitos Water District.
Use recycled or non-potable water for construction purposes when available.
For more information on the drought restrictions, please contact Vallecitos’ Conservation Office at (760) 744-0460 or go to www.vwd.org.
*NOTE: Not all residences in San Marcos are served by Vallecitos Water District. Please check your water bill to determine your water purveyor. Some residences may be served by the City of Escondido, City of Carlsbad, Rincon del Diablo or the Vista Irrigation District.
