In April, the Visalia City Council adopted Stage 4 water restrictions in response to the most significant drought in generations, faced not only our city, but the entire state. And, you have made a difference! Since the Stage 4 water restrictions took effect April 17, Visalians have conserved an average of 12% from April through August, compared with last year. This is a savings of 683,636,200 gallons or 2,098 acre-feet of water
Conscientious citizens have done their part since the Stage 4 watering restrictions took effect, and we ask for your continued efforts to continue to reduce landscape irrigation, responsible for 60 percent of total water usage in the city. Residents and businesses are urged to check their irrigation systems and timers to make sure they are properly set and do not have any leaks. Adjust any misaligned sprinklers to prevent runoff.
Visalians have continued to reduce the amount of water they use indoors, saving 18% over last year in August alone. Take steps today to reduce your water usage both indoors and out.
The Stage 4 Fall/Winter watering schedule began October 1st, which should result in significantly more conservation. There are two watering days during October: Tuesday and Saturday for odd addresses and Wednesday and Sunday for even addresses. During November and December, there is one watering day: Saturday for odd addresses and Sunday for even addresses. There is no watering during January and February. The watering times remain the same throughout the year: water before 10am or after 8pm on your designated water day.
There is an exception to the schedule for hand-watering shrubs, trees or vegetables. These can be watered any time with a watering can or with a hose with a positive shut-off nozzle. The hose cannot be left unattended and watering of lawns outside of the watering schedule is prohibited. Washing down sidewalks, driveways, etc., is also not allowed.
The city has launched a citywide outreach campaign for the fall/winter watering schedule. Look for messages on your Cal Water and city utility bills, on local cable channels and on city transit. Need help? Go to www.GoGreenVisalia.com or call the city Natural Resource Conservation Division at 713-4531.
Your continued cooperation and support is greatly appreciated as we work together to make it through this historic drought. Together, we can all do our part to Conserve Our Way Of Life. Save Our Water – Every Drop Counts.
Steve Nelsen is Mayor of the City of Visalia.