MSWD Cracks Down on Water Usage

MSWD Adopts Additional Conservation Measures to Stem Water Usage

As the state enters its third year of severe drought and what water officials say is the state’s driest year on record, Mission Springs Water District on Wednesday approved the implementation of Level 2 demand reduction actions outlined in the District’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

These actions include:

• Outdoor water use is prohibited during daylight hours for spray irrigation, except for leak checks or with a District-approved conservation alternative plan.
• Restaurants can serve water by request only.
• MSWD will encourage the use of non-potable water for construction when available.
• Fall overseeding will be discouraged.
• The District will increase water waste patrols.

MSWD will expand its public outreach/information campaign.
This was in response to Gov. Newsom’s Executive Order N-7-22, which called on all Californians to reduce water use and directed specific State agencies to take actions in support of water conservation.

In preparation for water emergencies, including drought, MSWD worked with the six water suppliers in the valley to develop water shortage contingency plans in 2021. Each agency has its own plan and set of actions; however, the measures are similar to help avoid customer confusion.

“MSWD has already started to reach out to impacted customers, letting them know of the changes, and we will be performing additional outreach in the coming weeks,” said Programs and Public Affairs Manager Marion Champion. “We have a variety of conservation programs, including rebates for efficient landscaping and inefficient toilet replacements that customers can take advantage of to help save water every day.”

In addition to the Level 2 demand reduction actions listed, the District’s Level 1 actions also remain in place. Those include:

• Applying any water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures is prohibited.
• Using any water in a fountain or other decorative water feature is prohibited, unless the water recirculates.
• Applying water to driveways, sidewalks, concrete, or asphalt is prohibited unless it addresses immediate health and safety needs. Reasonable pressure washer or water broom use is permitted.
• Spray irrigation of outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after rainfall of 0.10 inches is prohibited.
• Using a hose to wash a vehicle, windows, or solar panels is prohibited unless an automatic shut-off nozzle or pressure washer is used.
• Broken sprinklers shall be repaired within five business days of notification by agency, and leaks shall be repaired as soon as practical.
• Draining and refilling private swimming pools is discouraged unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
• Hotels will provide guests the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.

For more information or to learn about the conservation programs available to MSWD customers, click here.