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Water Conservation
The City of Placentia receives water from both Golden State Water Company and Yorba Linda Water District. Your service provider depends on your address. Refer to your provider's restrictions. City and State restrictions also apply to all water users.
Current Water Conservation Restrictions
State Water Conservation Regulations
On October 19, 2021, Governor Newsom issued a proclamation declaring all counties in the state of California in a State of Emergency due to the statewide drought. The emergency drought proclamation and emergency water conservation regulations are still in effect: Governor Newsom’s March 24, 2023, Executive Order (N-5-23), which reduced emergency drought requirements, does not immediately terminate current State Water Board (Board) water conservation emergency regulations. Please see below for more details, which are accurate as of June 5, 2023.
- For urban water suppliers, statewide Level 2 demand reduction actions are no longer required: The requirement for urban water suppliers to implement demand-reduction actions that correspond to at least Level 2 of their water shortage contingency plans is no longer in effect since June 5, 2023. Local water suppliers may adopt different and/or stricter water conservation measures; check with your supplier about current local restrictions.
- For commercial, institutional, and HOA common areas, decorative grass watering remains banned: The Emergency Regulation to Ban Decorative Grass Watering (non-functional turf irrigation) in commercial, industrial, and institutional areas, including HOA common areas is in effect and the Board may continue to enforce it; it is set to expire in June 2024, unless the Board takes further action. This ban coincides with the state’s long-term goal of Making Conservation a California Way of Life, regardless of the weather.
- For all Californians, prohibition on wasteful water uses remains in effect: The Emergency Regulation to Prohibit Wasteful Water Uses (like refilling fountains without recirculating pumps, overwatering landscapes, watering grass within 48 hours of rainfall, etc.) is set to expire in December 2023, unless the Board takes further action. The Board may continue to enforce these prohibitions and may consider readopting them. Like the decorative grass watering ban, these prohibitions coincide with the state’s long-term goal of Making Conservation a California Way of Life, regardless of the weather.
For up-to-date information, please visit https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/conservation_portal/.
Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD)
YLWD does not have specific restrictions or penalties for water use; customers can decide the best way to conserve.
The State of California prohibits commercial, industrial, and institutional customers from watering decorative grass; this includes Home Owner Associations. However, there are exemptions that YLWD staff would be happy to explore with our customers. Or you can learn more on your own using this FAQ from the State Water Resource Control Board.
For any questions or additional information regarding YLWD restrictions, please visit ylwd.com or call 714-701-3000.
Golden State Water Company (GSWC)
Following several months of storms bringing much-needed snow and rain to California, conditions have dramatically changed for many parts of the State. In response, Governor Newsom has rolled back some drought emergency provisions that are no longer needed while maintaining other measures that support regions and communities still facing water supply challenges.
Effective Sunday, May 14, 2023, Golden State Water Company modified outdoor watering restrictions to allow for watering up to three days per week. Given that water conditions will continue to evolve, customers are encouraged to use water wisely and only use what is needed.
Golden State Water is recommending customers limit outdoor irrigation between the hours of 7 PM and 8 AM per the following schedule:
| Addresses Ending in | Watering Days | |
|---|---|---|
| Even Numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) | Sunday, Wednesday | |
| Odd Numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) |
|
For any questions or additional information regarding GSWC restrictions, please visit https://www.gswater.com/placentia or call 800-999-4033.
Tips for Conserving Water Outdoors
- Running your sprinklers during the day will result in unnecessary water loss from evaporation due to the higher heat during the day.
- Adjust your sprinkler timer to reduce the number of minutes that each station runs, or use multiple short cycles to reduce the amount of runoff that comes off your lawn and onto sidewalks and gutters. Make sure your sprinklers are adjusted to reduce wasting water on paved surfaces.
- Water your plants deeply enough for the roots to grow deep into the soil. Deeply rooted lawns and plants will be more resistant to drought and require less frequent watering.
- Washing of cars, trailers, and boats should only be done using a bucket and/or hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle for quick rinses. Wash runoff should be directed into landscaped areas.
- Water should not be used to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, or other paved surfaces. This wasted water washes pollutants like oil, brake dust, and other contaminants into the storm drain system and eventually into our waterways and oceans.
Tips for Conserving Water Indoors
- Take shorter showers. They typically use 5 to 8 gallons per minute. Install a water-saving showerhead.
- Don’t run the tap when brushing your teeth or use your toilet as a disposal unit to flush used tissue or other debris.
- Run the dishwasher or washing machine only when it is full. A dishwasher can help you conserve because it only uses 9 to 12 gallons of water, while hand washing can use up to 20 gallons.
- Refrigerate drinking water instead of running the faucet until the water runs cool.
- Repair your leaks; the American Water Works Association estimates that leaks account for an average of 22 gallons of water per household per day.
- Check toilets for leaks. This is the most common indoor problem that we experience. A leaking toilet can waste up to 4,000 gallons a year and a new high-efficiency toilet can save as much as six gallons per flush.