Conservation Questions

I have cut back on my water use, but how do I know if I’m using 20 percent less?
By following the 12 Mandatory Water-Use Rules, including watering lawns and gardens only three days per week, customers should be meeting their conservation goals.  To determine your exact water use, see the chart on the front of your bill to compare your current use with previous usage, or call (949) 831-2500 for a detailed report. 

I already take steps to conserve.  Will I be penalized if I cannot meet the 20 percent reduction?
We understand that many of our customers have been practicing
water-efficient behavior for quite some time, and we urge them to keep up the good work!  The requirement to use 20 percent less water is based on water use throughout the entire District, not on the use of each individual customer.

What happens if I accidentally water on a day when I’m not allowed to?
Many customers are asleep or at work when their sprinklers run and may not be aware that they are violating the Water-Use Rules.  MNWD staff is observing residential and commercial watering practices throughout the mornings and evenings, and have begun to issue courtesy warnings and in some cases we have issued violations for repeat violators.  If you get such a warning please re-set your irrigation timers promptly. For a third violation within a 12 month period from the first notice, customers may be fined $100.

Will my lawn stay green if I only water three days per week?
Yes, lawns can remain green with only three days of watering each week, and in fact, may even become healthier.  Three deep soaks each week actually promote healthier root growth than watering every day for a shorter period of time. 

How long will these conservation rules be in effect?
The current Level 2 “Water Alert” was enacted in response to California’s ongoing water shortage, which has been caused by several years of
below-average precipitation and court decisions limiting water deliveries.  The MNWD Board will continue to review the water supply response levels as these conditions change.

What’s the easiest way to use less water?
Up to 60 percent of a home’s water is used outdoors, so cutting back outside irrigation can go a long way.  In addition to following the new watering schedule, try replacing thirsty landscaping with attractive California-Friendly plants that use less water, or purchasing a smart irrigation timer that automatically adjusts based on the weather.  Also, keep an eye on your sprinklers to make sure you are not watering the sidewalk or overwatering, resulting in runoff, which violates the District’s 12 Mandatory Water-Use Rules.     

What do I do if I see someone wasting water?
If you see someone violating one of the District’s 12 Mandatory Water-Use Rules, please call us at (949) 831-2500 and we will work with them on ways to conserve. 

Do I still have to use 20 percent less water if I have a swimming pool?
Yes, all residential and commercial users must reduce their water use by 20 percent. 

Are parks and greenbelts irrigated with recycled water required to follow the three-day-per-week watering schedule?
No, landscaping irrigated with recycled water is not subject to the watering schedule. That is because recycled water, unlike domestic drinking water, is a more reliable water source. 

What should I do if my irrigation timer cannot be programmed to the appropriate watering schedule?
This is a common problem among older irrigation timers, but there’s two simple fixes. Try setting your timer to manual, and turn your sprinklers on by hand on the assigned days for your area. This however takes some time and remembering. Another option is to purchase a new timer, most of which allow you to set the days and lengths you wish to water, and some even feature a rain shut-off function.