SANTA MONICA—As drought conditions worsen in the area, the city of Santa Monica is urging residents to reduce their water usage. This comes as a reaction to the statewide emergency that has been in effect.

 

On July 15, the State Water Resources Control Board agreed to adopt regulations to conserve water.


In February 2014, the city implemented the Water Shortage Response Plan asking residents to voluntarily reduce water by 20 percent. The plan did not work, and water usage has increased by 2 percent since then. As a result, city staff is asking the City Council to adopt the Water Shortage Response Plan – Stage II on August 12, 2014.

 

The plan will impose mandatory restrictions to reduce water usage by 20 percent. The new restrictions will be announced on a later date.


Current existing restrictions include the following:

 

  • No watering between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. any day of the week
  • No irrigation runoff and overspray
  • No hosing hardscapes such as driveways, sidewalks and patios
  • No washing vehicles with a hose that does not have a shut off nozzle and no runoff from washing vehicles
  • No wasting water
  • No leaks
  • No fountains without a re-circulating system
  • No food establishments shall serve water unless requested

 

According to the city of Santa Monica, an average resident used 134 gallons each day in 2013. Half of the water used in Santa Monica comes from Northern California and the Colorado River. To meet the sufficiency goal of the city, Santa Monica residents must reduce their use of water to 123 gallons per day. This reduction will help the city save 4000 gallons per person, per year.

 

The city offers the following tips, to reduce water usage:

 

  • Turn off the tap when brushing teeth – save 3,000 gallons/year
  • Shorten shower by 2 minutes – save 3,000 gallons/year
  • Install a Water Sense toilet – save 5,000 gallons/year
  • Fix Leaks – save 12,000 gallons/year
  • Reduce Irrigation run times by 1 – 3 minutes each cycle – save 15,000 gallons/year
  • Replace lawn with climate-appropriate plants – save 15,000 gallons/year

Rebates are available for items that have high water efficiency. To start taking action, visit sustainablesm.org/water for tips and rebate information.

 

To report water waste, call (310) 458-4984 or email code.compliance@smgov.net.  Please provide the address, date and time the violation occurred and if this is a recurring event. Staff will follow-up promptly.