Long Beach Water Dept. Allows Landscape Watering Three-Days Per Week Instead of Two Thru Sept. 30; All Other Restrictions Remain In Effect

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(June 2, 2016) -- LB residents can now legally water their landscape three days a week -- Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays -- instead of two days a week through Sept. 30, 2016, although all other current restrictions (allowable minutes, non-permitted daytime hours, car washing only with hose using shut-off nozzle) remain in place.

The modest change -- allowing an extra day of landscape water one day a week during the dry summer months -- results from an action today (June 2) by LB's Water Commissioners, who specified that two day per week landscape watering restrictions will return on October 1, 2016.

The LB Water Dept.'s restrictions now in effect are as follows:

Residents and businesses can only irrigate landscape during summer months on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until September 30, 2016. Two-day per week landscape irrigation (Tuesdays and Saturdays) will begin in the winter on October 1, 2016.
Residents and businesses can only irrigate landscape 10 minutes per station per watering day, or 20 minutes if using water-efficient rotating nozzles
Residents and businesses can only irrigate landscape before 9am or after 4pm
Residents and businesses cannot irrigate the landscape nor any other use of water beyond saturation, causing unreasonable runoff
Residents with pools and spas must use a cover to prevent evaporation
Residents and businesses cannot hose down hardscape with a hose, unless using a pressurized cleaning device
Residents and businesses cannot irrigate landscape during measurable rainfall nor anytime within 48 hours afterwards
Residents cannot wash a vehicle with a hose unless it has a water shut-off nozzle or device attached to the hose
Residents and businesses cannot allow the wasting of water due to breaks, leaks or other malfunctions in the plumbing or distribution system
Restaurants cannot serve water to customers without the customer requesting it
Hotels and motels must post signs to notify patrons they can choose not to have linens and towels washed daily

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"While residents will receive some relief from the more stringent water use restrictions, we are still calling for continued and diligent water use efficiency in the city. Wasteful water practices are now prohibited permanently by the State," said LB Water Dept. General Manager Chris Garner in a release. "We support Governor Brown and the State Water Resources Control Board’s recognition of locally appropriate actions and mandates, along with their strong and continued emphasis on using water wisely and continued conservation throughout our state."

The LB Water Commission's action follows a May 19, 2016 State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) decision to let local water suppliers determine locally what conservation measures to apply effective June 1, 2016 through February 2017. The state action responds to improved northern CA reservoir conditions although CA remains under a drought emergency declared by Governor Brown and Long Beach remains in an "exceptional drought" condition per the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The LB Water Dept. says in a release that it will "continue working closely with customers to provide information and outreach to assist them in saving water both indoors and outdoors. The 'MissionH2OLB' campaign provides residents tips and information on how to save. By visiting www.lbwater.org/mission, residents can calculate their water usage to see if they meet LB's target, take a pledge to save water, and listen to song playlists by two local bands as a reminder to take a one-song shower.

Residents can also apply for the $2.50 per square foot Lawn-to-Garden incentive to remove their lawn in their front yard and replace it with drought tolerant plants. (For more information on the incentive visit www.lblawntogarden.com. Rebates also continue for some devices, including high efficiency clothes washers and toilets that save tremendous amounts of water and energy. Funding is limited and provided on a first-come/first-served basis at www.socalwatersmart.com.

The LB Water Dept. adds that it will continue to monitor water waste reports, and residents can report water violations via www.lbwater.org, or using the Water Dept. hotline -- (562) 570-2455) -- or through the Department’s Report a Water Waster mobile app.