Water Conservation 

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 State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) recently adopted an emergency regulation restricting the irrigation of all non-functional turf areas for all commercial, industrial, and institutional properties as of June 10. The SWRCB provided exceptions for functional turf areas such as parks, trees planted in turf, and areas irrigated with non-drinkable water. 

STAGE 2 WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLANS

In addition to the adopted emergency regulation for turf areas, local water providers have enacted Stage 2 of their water conservation contingency plan. Two water providers serve the City of Placentia: the Yorba Linda Water District and Golden State Water Company. Each provider has its own way of implementing its water conservation contingency plan for customers.

YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT (YLWD)

YLWD adopted Stage 2 water restrictions that became effective June 14, 2022, including the following:

  • Restrictions prohibit the watering of “non-functional turf,” or turf that serves only ornamental purposes in the commercial, industrial, homeowner associations, and institutions sectors for one year;
  • The non-functional turf irrigation restrictions do not apply to homeowners;
  • Voluntary reduction of use by 20% as compared to 2020 consumption;
  • YLWD does not have specific restrictions on your water use. Customers can decide the best way to conserve water; and
  • For any questions or additional information regarding YLWD restrictions, please visit ylwd.com or call 714-701-3000.

GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY (GSWC)

GSWC adopted Stage 2 water restrictions and a 20% water conservation objective that became effective June 26, 2022. These water restrictions would include the following:

  • Restrictions prohibit the watering of “non-functional turf,” or turf that serves only ornamental purposes in the commercial, industrial, homeowner association, and institutions sectors for one year;
  • All customers are required to reduce use by 20% compared to use in 2020;
  • All customers in the GSWC service area will be required to reduce outdoor irrigation to two days per week between 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. Outdoor watering days will be scheduled by addresses ending in odd or even numbers per the table below.
Addresses Ending in Watering Days 
Even Numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
Sunday, Wednesday
Odd Numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
Tuesday, Saturday
  • GSWC customers who do not meet the mandatory 20% reduction may be charged a drought surcharge; and
  • For any questions or additional information regarding GSWC restrictions, please visit gswater.com 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 ocean.

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.

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