Given the severity of the drought, consider going to a voluntary one day per week watering schedule now, before it becomes mandatory on November 1, 2015.
The City of Sacramento used 26.5 percent less water in September compared to the same period in 2013, just over one percent shy from meeting the water conservation savings goal of 28%. The City is pleased with the continued water conservation efforts of our customers, however, with the temperatures dropping and the days getting shorter, the City is encouraging a drought call to action – for customers to voluntarily water no more than one day per week starting now.
Effective November 1, the mandatory one day per week watering schedule is required, where customers may water either on Saturday or Sunday (customer choice), except when it has been raining.
“The focus right now is to cut irrigation time at least in half since the weather is cooler. Even with the rainy season upon us, it is important to remember that the end of the drought is not over.
We must continue to work together to conserve this most valuable resource.” Bill Busath, Director of the City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities.
“Starting to water one day per week will make a significant impact on our regional water conservation savings,” said Bill Busath, Director of the City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities.
Increased drought awareness has brought attention to the City’s water conservation efforts and has driven up calls for investigation of water misuse. Since January, the City has received nearly 19,132 calls regarding water conservation investigations and issued nearly 8,875 first notices of violation. This is compared to 17,665 calls for investigation last year over the same time period.
To spare water, consider:
- If you choose to wash your car at home, it is to occur only on your designated watering day and you are required to use a hose nozzle
- Consider turning off your irrigation system for at least a week or two, after it rains.
- The one day per week schedule is in effect between November 1, 2015 and March 12, 2016, unless drought conditions worsen.
- Overwatering, or water running off the sidewalk and into the gutter, is prohibited at all times.
You can help save water while maintaining your landscape!
- Follow the above rules for watering your yard.
- Make sure there is no runoff when you irrigate by having short watering times. Water just before the point of runoff, and if needed, wait at least an hour before watering again, during the watering window.
- Water early or late in the day to save 50 gallons of water every time you water.
- Consider replacing plants with native or drought-tolerant plants or upgrading your irrigation system with drip or high-efficiency sprinklers, install rain barrels and a gray water system. Rebates are available!
- To report water misuse, call 311 or download and use the free 311 app for Android or iPhone.
It is important to note that Parks are not like residents, and that the amount of water used for parks are determined by the park’s usage, and overall condition. The amount of watering is determined on a case by case basis. The City frequently monitors our water use, and have reduced our park’s water use by 39 percent since 2013.
More information about ways to save water and for valuable rebates visit Spare Sac Water or follow on Facebook.