DROUGHT FAQ'S

~~~~UPDATES~~~~

MANDATORY WATERING RESTRICTIONS ARE
NOW IN EFFECT!

Q: What are the current mandatory restrictions and when do they take effect?
A: The Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) has issued the following mandatory water use restrictions effective immediately:

• Outdoor yard and lawn watering is restricted to two days a week based on your address numbering:
• Residential Even Street Address Numbers: Tuesday and Friday.
• Residential Odd Street Address Numbers: Monday and Thursday.
• Commercial Customers: Monday and Friday.
• Outdoor watering prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Outdoor watering should last no longer than 10 minutes per station.
• No outdoor watering Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday.
• Outdoor watering shall not result in runoff to the street. Observed water waste or street runoff will result in potential penalties if not addressed.
• Potable water shall not be used for washing hard surfaces, such as pavement, roadways, concrete, and sidewalks, except for public health and safety exceptions.
• Hoses must have an automatic shut-off nozzle for car washing and outdoor hand watering of plants and trees.
• Customers, including homeowners and renters, must repair water leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a timely manner.
• Restaurants shall only serve water upon request.
• Hotel and lodging establishments must offer an option for customers to opt-out of linen service to reduce laundry water use.

Q: Is there a drought emergency plan in place?
A: LACWD has a Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which provides details on how LACWD responds in the event of a declared water emergency or water shortage condition. For more information or a copy of the plan, please visit lacwaterworks.org or call (626) 300-3313.

Q: What are indicators of a drought?
A: Indicators of a drought include precipitation (rain and snow), which in return affect State Water Project supplies, reservoir levels, local groundwater, and stored/banked water supplies.

Q: What is the current status of water supply in LACWD?
A: LACWD is utilizing all efforts and resources from both surface water and groundwater to ensure there is sufficient water supply for its customers this year. However, it's extremely vital for customers to continue and to increase their water conservation efforts in order to have sufficient supplies to meet demands.

Q: What is the plan to ensure enough water for the future?
A: LACWD plans for future water reliability as part of daily operations and water resources regardless of drought conditions. In order to plan for dry years, LACWD is continuing to bank groundwater rights in basins, build relationships and agreements with partner water agencies, and continue to work on infrastructure projects to increase reliability during dry years.

Q: How are customers being notified of the drought?
A: Customers have been notified via e-blast, robocalls, bill inserts, and social media. Visit lacwaterworks.org for more information.

Q: Are there any water conservation rebate programs available?
A: There are several rebate and incentive programs available to customers within LACWD. For information regarding the programs, visit lacwaterworks.org or call (626) 300-3313.

Q: How do I report water waste?
A: You can report water waste on our website, https://dpw.lacounty.gov/wwd/web/Default.aspx

Q: What can customers do to help conserve water?
A: Reduce the amount of water use by turning off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, water your lawn early morning or late evening, take shorter showers, and fix leaks as soon as possible. Visit lacwaterworks.org or call (626) 300-3313 for more conservation tips and resources.

Q: Is the Cash for Grass Program still available?
A: Yes, the program is available. To apply, visit lacwaterworks.org.

Q: Am I eligible for the Cash for Grass Program?
A: Districts 21, 37, and 40 customers are eligible for this program and can apply at https://pw.lacounty.gov/wwd/cfg/default.aspx; District 29 customers can apply at socalwatersmart.com; and District 36 customers can apply at https://yourscvwater.com/save-water-money/.

Q: Why is artificial turf not eligible?
A: While synthetic or artificial turf does achieve a water use reduction in the landscape, it does not meet the sustainability goals of the program.

Q: Will customers be restricted to watering lawns once a week?
A: At this time, LACWD has restricted the watering days to two days per week for all LACWD customers. If you are not a District customer, please check with your water service provider.

Q: How does the rebate program work?
A: LACWD offers rebates to its customers for a variety of water saving devices. For more information and eligibility, visit lacwaterworks.org or call (626) 300-3313.

Q: What materials should I use for drought-tolerant landscaping?
A: Visit LACWD's website at lacwaterworks.org for information.

Q: Is irrigation of vegetable gardens under the same restrictions as "outdoor yard and lawn watering"?
A: The District may allow certain water uses and practices to safeguard public health and safety. Watering of vegetable gardens is allowed. The use of water is not prohibited to the extent necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings or to the extent necessary to address an immediate health and safety need.

Q: Are drip irrigation systems limited to the same 10-minutes, two days a week as sprinklers?
A: Drip irrigation is allowed and not subject to two days a week or duration restrictions except water cannot run off from landscaped areas.

Q: Can I provide water to livestock (horses or other animals)?
A: The District may allow certain water uses and practices to safeguard public health and safety. The use of water is not prohibited to the extent necessary to address an immediate health and safety need.

Q: Can I hand water my grass?
A: Outdoor hand watering is allowed on your watering days and limited to 10 minutes per zone/area. Hoses must have an automatic shut-off nozzle and water cannot run off from landscaped areas.

Q: Can I water my bushes/plants and trees?
A: Watering of plants and trees is allowed without restriction. The use of water is not prohibited to the extent necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings or to the extent necessary to address an immediate health and safety need.

Q: Are there any watering restrictions for grass areas and sports fields at parks?
A: For Public health benefit, there are no watering restrictions for grass areas meant for open and public community gathering areas or sports fields in public parks.

Q: Why are new housing developments being allowed while existing customers are being asked to conserve water?
A: Los Angeles County Waterworks does not control development within its Districts. However, careful evaluation and an assessment of the future water needs of the development are conducted to see what impact the development will have on the future water demands of a District. This is done through a Water Supply Assessment. The new development is compared against the Urban Water Management Plan for District 29 and 40 and its projections on available water supply during the 20 year planning period and not just the current drought. Water agencies keep careful track of new development to ensure their projected water demand does not exceed forecasts in their planning documents and that water supply is available for the duration of the planning period.

Penalties for excessive water use may soon be applied if water usage does not decrease, such as water flow restricting devices or prohibition on all outdoor water use, and target quantities and surcharges may be assigned.