According to MCWD, "Water demand in Mammoth triples when the outdoor watering season commences."

According to MCWD, “Water demand in Mammoth triples when the outdoor watering season commences.”

The severe drought in California prompted the State to set down water conservation rules and to require county and city jurisdictions to adopt their own plans.

Mammoth Community Water District continues to ask customers to conform to Revised Level 1 Water Restrictions. These rules say even numbered addresses should irrigate on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Odd numbered addresses irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Irrigation is prohibited between 10 am and 7pm. No variances for new lawns.

Over filling of swimming pools and spas is prohibited. Washing of hard surfaces is prohibited. Leaks must be repaired and water may not pool up on hard surfaces. All of the details are available on the Water District website – www.mcwd.dst.ca.us. Earlier this year, the Water Board did adopt an ordinance which would allow additional prohibitions if needed.

Inyo Public Works Director Clint Quilter recently held public meetings in Independence and Lone Pine to explain conservation rules. He said he came up with an allowable alternative plan that is “responsible yet acknowledges the investment in landscaping.”

The rules say no watering between 9am and 5pm, the necessity to repair any leaks in a reasonable time, no use of potable water for construction unless there is no alternative, no flushing of fire hydrants except for health and safety reasons. Quilter said there would be significant penalties to Inyo if the County did nothing.

He said, “We’re trying to meet regulations while taking into account the unique situation of the Owens Valley.” He said he does not anticipate law enforcement will police water use.

Quilter mentioned four other mandatory regulations for water systems – not washing down driveways, irrigating but no flooding, using a hose shut-off for washing a car or watering.

The City of Bishop adopted eight rules to reduce water use by 20%. They are posted on the City website and include:

No outdoor irrigation except between 5pm and 9am; no irrigation of outdoor landscaping so that water runs off the property; no washing vehicles unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle; no washing driveways, sidewalks and parking areas; no decorative water features unless there is recirculation; no water waste caused by easily correctable leaks, breaks, or malfunctions; no use of potable water for construction purpose; no hydrant flushing except when required for public health and safety.

The Bishop press release says the City may allow exceptions to some of these measures in some cases. Check it out at www.ca-bishop.us.

Discover more from Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading