BEVERLY HILLS—After completing a water demand analysis and incorporating information provided by the Metropolitan Water District, the city of Beverly Hills will maintain its strict water conservation program. Information details the ability for the agency to meet the City’s water needs for the next three years.

Recent success in water savings during the past drought has helped the Beverly Hills City Council decide to transition to a long-range conservation goal that will emulate these achievements. For the year 2016, the city has averaged a 22.06 percent reduction in water use. The reduction is due in part to leak-detection, water audit and rebate programs, and restrictions on outdoor watering, all of which will continue to be active during the long-term plan.

The penalty surcharge program will be suspended in the transitions, but enforcement of water conservation restrictions will continue. The focus will continue to be on prohibited outdoor water use and excessive water use. Beverly Hills will put into effect an “unreasonable use” fine for any customers who are identified as excessively using water.

According to a press release from the city of Beverly Hills, continued water restrictions will include:

  • Landscape irrigation shall be restricted to two days per week.
  • Plumbing and irrigation leaks must be repaired as quick as possible. The City may issue notices to repair visible leaks. Beverly Hills offers an online water tracker too for tracking personal water use and has very knowledgable and helpful staff members who can help. The water tracker can be found at www.beverlyhills.org/watertracker.
  • The exterior washing of buildings and washing of vehicles shall be prohibited, unless
    • The washing is done on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash or commercial service station or with reclaimed wastewater.
    • The health, safety, and welfare of the public are contingent upon frequent vehicle cleanings, such as the cleaning of garbage trucks and vehicles to transport food and perishables.
  • Violation by any person of the mandatory requirements for outdoor watering shall constitute a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.
  • Water usage from fire hydrants shall be limited to firefighting, related activities or other activities necessary to maintain the public health, safety, and welfare.
  • Restaurants may only serve water upon request.
  • All public restrooms in the City and private bathrooms in hotels shall notify patrons and employees of water conservation goals.

The city of Beverly Hills is offering free workshops to teach its residents about good water conservation habits as well as water-wise landscaping practices. For information about these workshops and how to attend, you can visit www.bhsaves.org. Other tips on water conservation can be found at www.bewaterwise.com.