Our water company’s Mandatory Conservation Program river bypass level changed today, June 1. From now until November 15, river flows greater than 4 cubic feet per second put us into Voluntary Conservation.

Normally, this means that customers have no official restrictions on their water use (i.e., conserving is voluntary rather than mandatory) and they can return to washing their cars, power washing the exterior of their house, and irrigating however they wish.

However, things are not so simple anymore because of the drought. Even when our customers are under Voluntary Conservation, California statewide restrictions are still in place and must be followed.

All customers received a detailed billing insert in April containing information about these statewide restrictions. It is important to remember that fines of up to $500/day are possible if these customers violate any of these restricted water uses.

The following water use activities are not allowed as ordered by the State:

1. Watering outdoor landscapes that causes water to “runoff” onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, private/public walkways, roadways, parking lots, etc.

2. Washing a vehicle, with a hose without a shut-off nozzle or other device that will immediately stop the flow of water when not in use.

3. Using drinking water to wash driveways and sidewalks.

4. Using drinking water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is recirculated.

5. No irrigating turf or ornamental landscapes during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation.

6. Restaurants and other food service establishments can only serve water to customers on request.

7. Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily and prominently display notice of this option.

8. Customers will be informed by their water utility when the utility is aware of leaks that are within the customer’s control.

9. The State has imposed water company-specific restrictions. For North Gualala Water, that means irrigating of ornamental landscaping and turf is limited to only 2 days per week.

We understand that this is a confusing mix Mandatory/Voluntary Conservation Program restrictions and State restrictions–please feel free to call the office with any questions.

Thank you for conserving!