To comply with the state’s order for a 28 percent statewide reduction in water use, the Contra Costa Water District has implemented its Drought Management Plan.
he District is required by the state to reduce water consumption overall by 28 percent, and is requiring its residential customers to save 25 percent compared to 2013 and its irrigation customers to save 45 percent.
Start Saving Water Now: To encourage all residential customers to meet the 25 percent reduction requirement, the District’s Board of Directors approved on June 3 temporary pricing adjustments as called for in the Governor’s Executive Order.
This includes a temporary pricing adjustment for households that use more than an average of 200 gallons per day. This would temporarily increase the unit cost of treated water by 50 cents a (unit is 748 gallons of water). The temporary pricing adjustment would end once the emergency order is lifted. The Board has also implemented fines of up to $500 and suspension of service.
If you use less than an average of 200 gallons per day, you will not be subjected to the temporary pricing adjustment. Households that reduce water use by 25 percent will be able to lower their bills. Please try to continue to save.
The Governor has set a target for CCWD of using 28 percent less water than in 2013. You will be sent a letter in the mail on June 4 detailing your 2013 water use. This information will also begin to appear on the back of your bill starting in June.
The water conservation requirement of 25 percent compared to 2013 and new water-use prohibitions to comply with statewide mandates includes limiting outdoor irrigation to two days per week.
You are strongly encouraged to begin saving water immediately and adjust your automatic sprinklers now.
Find out more by checking this website, and subscribing to our Conservation Watersaver E-newsletter.
See the Drought Docket and Ordinance Approved by the Board of Directors
What if I use more than an average of 200 gallons per day, will my bill go up even if I save 25 percent?
No, you will save money. A single-family home that used an average of 400 gallons per day that cuts its use by 25 percent will save $16 on its water bill.
Prohibitions of Water Use
The following uses of water supplied by the District have been determined to be wasteful and are prohibited at any time. Violators could be subject to fines of up to $500 and suspension of water service.
Single Family and Multi-Family Residential Customers:
- Watering of outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excessive runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures.
b. Watering of outdoor landscapes during and up to 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
c. Watering of outdoor landscapes more than two days per week unless an exception is granted by the District. Examples include newly planted drip irrigated drought tolerant landscaping, and vegetable gardens.
d. Watering of outdoor landscapes during the daylight hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
e. Watering of landscape of newly constructed homes and buildings that is not delivered by drip or microspray systems.
f. Washing a vehicle, trailer or boat using a hose without a shut off nozzle.
g. Washing paved or other hard-surfaced areas, including sidewalks, walkways, driveways, patios, and parking areas.
h. Use of water for non-recirculating decorative fountains or’ filling decorative lakes or ponds. The District strongly suggests all fountains be turned off.
Non-Residential Customers:
- Watering of outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excessive runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures.
b. Watering of outdoor landscapes during and up to 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
c. Watering of outdoor landscapes more than two days per week unless an exception is granted by the District. Examples include newly planted drip irrigated drought tolerant landscaping, and vegetable gardens.
d. Watering of outdoor landscapes during the daylight hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
e. Watering of ornamental turf on public street medians.
f. Watering of landscape of newly constructed homes and buildings in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
g. Washing a vehicle, trailer or boat using a hose without a shut off nozzle.
h. Washing paved or other hard-surfaced areas, including sidewalks, walkways, driveways, patios, and parking areas .
i. Use of water for non-recirculating decorative fountains or filling decorative lakes or ponds.
j. Serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, cafes, cafeterias, bars, or other public places where food or drink are served and/or purchased.
k. Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. A notice shall be prominently displayed in each bathroom.
l. Recycled water must be used for construction and dust control where available.
