Stage 1 Water Restrictions

City of Santa Cruz Stage 1 Water Restrictions

As of May 1, 2012 and through October 31, 2012, the City of Santa Cruz department is calling for a Stage 1 Water Shortage Alert.

What this includes:

• No landscape watering between 10am and 5pm
• Hose nozzles required: all hoses must be equipped with a shut-off nozzle
• No washing down hard or paved surfaces: customers may not wash down sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, patios or other paved surfaces, except to alleviate immediate safety or sanitation hazards
• Residential swimming pools may not be initially filled, or drained and refilled
• Restaurants and other commercial food service establishments: drinking water served only upon request (so they’re not being rude, they’re complying)
• Commercial lodging establishments: hotels and motels must offer patrons the option to forego daily laundering of towels, sheets, and linen

Waste Prohibitions in Effect at All Times

• No excessive irrigation: irrigating in a manner that causes or allows potable water to run off property onto sidewalks, gutters, streets, ditches, or storm drains is prohibited.
• Uncorrected plumbing leaks: by law, a reasonable effort must be made to repair, or make arrangements for fixing, a plumbing leak within 24 hours if finding it.
• Hose nozzle required for vehicle washing: vehicles may be washed at a commercial car wash or by using a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
• Other: the indiscriminate running which is wasteful and without reasonable purpose is prohibited.

Exceptions

• Drip irrigation systems, soaker hoses, and cans may be used any time of day
• Landscape contractors may make irrigation system repairs or adjustments any time of day
• Level in residential swimming pools may be maintained to ensure continued operation of recirculation equipment

See City of Santa Cruz website for enforcement and Penalties. Call us to have leaks fixed within 24 hours of finding them so you don’t get a penalty and waste precious, precious resources.