District
to impose Level 2 water restrictions July 1
By
Kate Breece
HWD Public Affairs
Due to the water allocation cutback of 8 percent from
the San Diego County Water Authority, and the continuing
regional water shortage, Helix Water District board
of directors approved raising the Water Shortage to
Level 2 and implementing mandatory watering restrictions
as of July 1.
The District requires customers to Pick Three
Days and Water Ten Minutes.
The Pick 3 Water 10 program
allows customers to determine the three best days to
water on their property and requires that they only
water 10 minutes per irrigation station. These restrictions
apply June through October, with two days of watering
per week from November to May.
This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation
systems using water efficient devices, including, but
not limited to: weather-based controllers, drip/micro-irrigation
systems, and stream rotor sprinklers.
Watering of landscaped areas not irrigated by
a landscape irrigation system (bucket, hand-held hose
with positive shut-off nozzle, or low-volume non-spray
irrigation) will be done on the same schedule.
Leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of notification
by the District, unless other arrangements are made
with the General Manager.
In addition, all provisions of Water Shortage
Level 1 become mandatory:
1) Stop washing down paved surfaces, including but not
limited to sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, tennis
courts, or patios, except when it is necessary to alleviate
safety or sanitation hazards.
(2) Stop water waste resulting from inefficient landscape
irrigation, such as runoff, low head drainage, overspray,
etc. Similarly, stop water flows onto nontargeted areas,
such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes,
roadways or structures.
(3) Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before
10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. only. Irrigation run time should
be adjusted to avoid runoff.
(4) Use a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off
nozzle or bucket to water landscaped areas, including
trees and shrubs located on residential and commercial
properties that are not irrigated by a landscape irrigation
system.
(5) Irrigate nursery and commercial growers' products
before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. only. Irrigation of
nursery propagation beds is permitted at any time. Watering
of livestock is permitted at any time.
(6) Use re-circulated water to operate ornamental fountains.
(7) Wash vehicles using a bucket and a hand-held hose
with positive shut-off nozzle, mobile high-pressure/low
volume wash system, or at a commercial site that reclaims
water on-site. Avoid washing during hot conditions when
additional water is required due to evaporation.
(8) Serve and refill water in restaurants and other
food service establishments only upon request.
(9) Offer guests in hotels, motels, and other commercial
lodging establishments the option of not laundering
towels and linens daily.
In the past, Helix customers have risen to the challenge
of specific water conservation goals. It is anticipated
that the proposed rate increases taken in conjunction
with mandatory watering restrictions will produce desirable
water conservation efforts. Water waste can be reported
to: (619) .667-6244 or conserve@helixwater.org.
#09-06-18-01
Drought Response Declaration
& Water Conservation Program Policy. (64k pdf)