Drought Resources
Stage 2 – Mandatory 20% Water Use Reduction
The The WVWD Board of Directors declared a Stage 2 Water Shortage, which calls for a 20% reduction of water use.
The following actions are now required.
Watering is Limited to 3 Days Per Week
Watering or irrigating of lawn or landscape is limited to a maximum of 3 days per week. This does not apply to very low-flow drip-type irrigation systems. This also does not apply to watering or irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket, similar container, or hand-held hose with a water-efficient nozzle.
Limit on Watering Duration to a Maximum of 15 Minutes
Watering or irrigating of lawn and landscape is limited to no more than 15 minutes per day per station. This does not apply to very low-flow drip-type irrigation systems or high-efficiency sprinklers.
Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks, or Malfunctions Within 72 Hours of Notification
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions must be repaired within 72 hours after written notification by the District unless other arrangements are made by the District.
No Watering from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Watering or irrigation of lawn and landscape is prohibited between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on any day, except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container.
No Watering During Rain & 48 Hours After
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area with tap water within 48 hours following measurable precipitation is prohibited.
No Refilling of Residential Swimming Pools and Spas More than One Foot
Re-filling a swimming pool or outdoor spa more than one foot is prohibited.
No Excessive Water Flow or Runoff
No water runoff onto streets, driveways, sidewalks, and gutters.
No Washing Down Hard or Paved Surfaces
No washing down of hard paved surfaces (sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or alleys) unless necessary for public health. Use of a hand-held bucket or similar container or broom is recommended.
Limits on Washing Vehicles
Using water to wash or clean a vehicle (automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat, or trailer, whether motorized or not), is prohibited. Except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container or water-efficient hose nozzle. This does not apply to any commercial car washing facility.
Re-circulating Water Required for Water Fountains and Decorative Water Features
Operating a water fountain or other decorative water feature that does not use re-circulated water is prohibited.
No Installation of Single Pass Cooling Systems Water System
Installation of single pass cooling systems is prohibited in buildings requesting new water service.
No Installation of Non-recirculating Water in Commercial Car Wash and Laundry Systems
Installation of non-recirculating water systems is prohibited in new commercial conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry systems.
No Watering Ornamental Turf on Public Street Medians
Irrigating ornamental turf or public street medians with potable water is prohibited.
Negligent Waste of Water
At the discretion of the General Manager, the District reserves the right to determine negligent waste or misuse of water supplies. Such water use constitutes an unauthorized waste of water and is subject to the imposition penalties outlined in Section 14 of Ordinance No. 01-18-22
For more information view the Stage 2 Water Shortage Flyer.
For the full text of the drought regulations view the Water Shortage Contingency Plan Matrix, Water Shortage Contingency Plan, and Urban Water Management Plan.
Non-Functional Turf Irrigation Ban
As of June 16, 2022, commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) customers cannot irrigate non-functional turf (grass) with potable water. The ban does not apply to turf irrigated with recycled water, nor school fields, sports fields, and parks.
This ban applies to homeowners’ associations (HOAs). The board of an HOA or similar governing body may determine what is functional and non-functional based on the usage of the turf.
THE EMERGENCY REGULATION DROUGHT BAN DOES NOT APPLY TO RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS.
The ban is enforced by the State Water Resources Control Board, more information is available here.
A $2 per square foot rebate is available for turf removal projects through a partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Eligible projects must receive approval before commencement from MWD. Visit socalwatersmart.com for more information.
Find a Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper here!
Functional Turf Example
Non-Functional Turf Example
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the non-functional turf irrigation ban?
It is a state mandate that bans the irrigation of non-functional turf (grass) with potable water for all commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) customers. This includes property owned by homewoners’ associations (HOAs) and determined by their managing body to be non-functional. More information as available here.
Who will enforce the ban?
The enforcement of the ban is by the State Water Resources Control Board, failure to comply may result in a fine of up to $500 from the State Water Board.
What is non-functional turf?
Non-functional turf is turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events. For example, ornamental lawns common to office parks, street medians, and housing developments that require irrigation, but provide no recreational or environmental purpose.
How long will the ban last?
For up to a year unless otherwise noticed by the State Water Board. The ban may be in effect for longer than one year.
Are there exemptions to the ban?
Yes, commercial turf may still be watered after June 16, 2022, if the property owner or account holder determines that one or more of the following is true:
The exception to this is common areas in Homeowner’s Association sites. Unless one of the above exemptions applies, HOA common areas are included in this turf irrigation ban.
Who issued/determined this ban?
Governor Newsom issued an executive order and the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the emergency drought regulations and is appointed with the enforcement of the ban. Walnut Valley Water District is responsible for informing our customers of these new drought regulations and for providing resources to use water wisely.
What is turf?
Turf is grass or various species of ground cover designed to be mowed regularly and stepped on repeatedly.
What about homeowner’s association (HOA) common areas?
This ban applies to HOA common areas. It is up to the HOA board or similar managing body to determine what is functional and non-functional. WVWD encourages HOAs to be mindful of the seriousness of the drought when making this decision.
Will the District fine me for violating the ban?
It is the District’s goal to promote the efficient use of water by educating its customers on cost-saving practices. However, the District reserves the right to send a courtesy notice to customers if a report of a potential violation is received. Likewise, the District reserves the right to enforce the current Stage 2 Water Storage restrictions adopted by the Walnut Valley Water District Board of Directors.
How do I report water waste?
To report water waste, a violation of Stage 2 Water Use Reduction Regulations, and/or violation of the non-functional turf ban please click here. You may also contact a customer service representative to report a water waste violation at (909) 595-7554.
What about trees?
Irrigation priority should be given to trees to keep them alive. Although most mature trees often require little to no irrigation, some species do. The State Water Board urges people to continue to water trees, even while reducing or stopping the irrigation of turf. Irrigation of trees and non-turf plantings is permitted.
Cut Down Your Water Use!
Rebates available to customers include:
The State Water Resources Control Board requires commercial (CII) customers to be assigned classifications based on their primary business functions. This classification assists with assigning appropriate categories to their water use performance measures.
A detailed list is available here: “Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Water Use Performance Measure”