Water Supply Alert Still In Effect

The District remains in a Water Supply Alert, and additional mandatory water conservation measures, such as designated days for sprinkler use, also remain in effect.

Since the Water Supply Alert took effect in July 2009, South Coast Water District has asked residents and businesses to reduce their water use by an additional 15%. There has been strong community support for the call for additional conservation, particularly with regards to outdoor watering.

Designated Days for Sprinkler Use

In large part, additional water savings have been achieved due to the implementation of designated days for sprinkler use. Until further notice, sprinklers may run up to three days per week, between 5pm and 9am as follows:

• Residences East of Golden Lantern may run sprinklers on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
• Residences West of Golden Lantern may run sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Businesses and Homeowners’ Associations throughout the District may irrigate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

You may download a copy of the map here.

Watering By Hand Permitted Any Day

At any time, on any day, watering by hand is permitted using a garden hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle - or a bucket or similar container.

Three Days to Fix Leaks

During a Water Supply Alert, leaking, broken or malfunctioning plumbing or irrigation systems must be fixed within three business days of District notice. Shutting off your irrigation system while repairs are made constitutes a "fix."

Permanent Conservation Measures Always In Effect

During a Water Supply Alert, residents and businesses must continue to practice Permanent Water Conservation Measures which are mandatory whether or not there is a water supply shortage. Permanent requirements related to irrigation are:

• Run sprinklers before 9 AM or after 5 PM
• Turn off sprinklers when it rains
• Run sprinklers 10 minutes or less per valve per cycle
• Ensure sprinklers are timed and adjusted to prevent runoff.

Average Water Use in Our Service Area

On average in our service area, individuals use approximately 120 gallons of water per day (indoors and outdoors). For most individuals, the 15% reduction in water use equates to approximately 20 gallons per day. Watering plants and landscaping before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., for example, saves an estimated 20 to 25 gallons per day by avoiding the times when evaporation and wind are greatest. See checklists for Irrigation, Outdoor and Indoor water saving tips.