LOS ANGELES—Summer has finally arrived and with temperatures continuing to rise, Angelenos may soon be able to water their lawn three days a week. The new guidelines that were submitted in an ordinance by the City Council on August 20, increase the days lawns can be watered; however, the duration was decreased to eight minutes from the 15 minutes previously allowed.
If Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa approves the ordinance, residents will also have to alternate days they are able to water their lawns based on their addresses. For example Monday, Wednesday, Friday will be reserved for those with addresses ending in odd numbers while those ending in even numbers will have Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays to water their lawn.
Normally prohibited uses of water still apply as outlined by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which include watering on sidewalks and other hard surfaces, watering during rain, running off water into sewers and streets, failing to repair leaks in pipes, using improper hoses to wash vehicles, as well as serving water in restaurants unless customers have asked for it.
It should also be noted that watering is only permitted between the hours of 9-4 p.m. each day. Addresses ending in fractions should also be treated as their whole numbers, e.g., 1679 ½ should be watered on days for odd numbers.
The changes were put forth by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power after multiple water main breaks were caused by residents who watered their lawns at the same time every week, causing changes in water pressure.
For those who live in high risk fire areas, the LADWP has set up Hardship Variance requests. To apply for a Hardship Variance request or for more information on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power please visit ladwp.com/waterconservation or call 213-367-0771.
