Water Use Restrictions

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Redlands a city that works together to save water!

New Water Restrictions

Effective June 10, 2022, the City of Redlands is implementing more stringent water restrictions for all water customers following a statewide order from Gov. Gavin Newsom. At the governor’s direction, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted an emergency water conservation regulation calling on local water agencies to take appropriate action that will conserve water throughout California.

Irrigation is allowed only on assigned irrigation days
  • Even Addresses: Monday, Thursday, Saturday only
  • Odd Addresses: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday only
  • All Addresses: No watering on Wednesdays
No watering is permitted between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Failure to prevent excessive runoff from irrigation activities is prohibited.

Automobiles; Pools; Spas

The washing of automobiles and other mobile equipment is allowed only on designated irrigation days and is prohibited between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Washing will be done with a handheld bucket or a handheld hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle.

Refilling or adding of water to swimming/wading pools or spas is allowed only on designated irrigation days and prohibited between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The Bunker Hill Basin is the City’s primary groundwater source and accounts for over 50% of the City’s supply. While water storage in this basin has fluctuated in past years, ongoing drought conditions have had a significant impact on groundwater levels, resulting in record lows. Roughly 75% of water produced in Redlands is used outdoors, making education in irrigation efficiency a priority for the City. Please help ensure sustainable groundwater supplies by adhering to watering restrictions.

Restrictions and Prohibited Activities
  • Outdoor landscapes may not be irrigated during and within 48 hours after rainfall.
  • Controllable leaks must be repaired immediately.
  • Using water to wash driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, patios, tennis courts and other paved areas is prohibited.
  • Restaurants shall only serve water to customers upon specific customer request.
  • Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily and shall prominently display notice of this option in each guestroom.
  • The use of potable water in fountains or water features is prohibited unless the water is re-circulated.
  • Irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited.
  • Use of water from fire hydrants is limited to firefighting and other activities necessary to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Redlands.

Redlands Municipal Code; Chapter 13.06-Water Conservation Plan (Updated: 7/2016)

Exemptions

  • Handheld hose use with automatic shut off nozzle, faucet-filled buckets containing five gallons or less and drip irrigation systems.
  • Commercial nurseries, commercial farmers, and grove settings requiring twenty-four (24) hour irrigation cycles are exempt, but shall curtail all nonessential water use.
  • Commercial car washes or service stations with wash water-recycling facilities.
  • Garbage trucks and vehicles to transport food and perishables, if the public health or safety requires frequent vehicle cleaning.

Are there exclusions from the restrictions?

Yes. Irrigation is permitted at any time if non-potable water is used on golf courses.

NOTE: Hillside Memorial Cemetery, Redlands Country Club, Sports Park, Texonia Park, University of Redlands and some customers on the northwest side of the I-10 freeway are connected to the non-potable water system for irrigation needs.

To ensure compliance, the plan has a three-stage violation process:
  • Notice of non-compliance
  • Warning of penalties
  • Imposition of penalties

Violation #3 will result in the issuance of a surcharge. The Plan states a surcharge of 25% of the customers commodity charge will be imposed on the customer’s next regular water bill.

If water customers continue to waste water, a flow-restricting device may be installed at the meter by the city pursuant to California Water Code section 375.

Further noncompliance could result in termination of service to the premise involved, pursuant to California Water Code section 35423.

Current status of water availability in the City

It is important to note that the City has had no issue meeting the demands of its customers and is fully able to satisfy the demands of its customers throughout the next year.

However, the State prohibits water waste.

Additionally, compliance with restrictions will assist in the City’s self imposed goal of reducing water consumption by 15% as compared to 2013 to improve the condition its groundwater basin.

It is NOT the city’s intent to penalize people for overuse of water, but rather, educate them on efficient irrigation and suitable landscape for Redlands’ arid climate.

Free water use analysis’ as well as incentives for water efficient products/conversions are available that allow customers to achieve water savings in ways that are specific to their needs.

How can I report water waste?