With California facing a drought of historic proportions, and no relief in sight, the City of Susanville has announced the immediate implementation of Stage 2 Water Restrictions. The restrictions, detailed below, are part of the city’s ongoing drought management plan and, according to the Public Works department, the water restrictions are being put in place to ensure an adequate supply for the human consumption, sanitation, fire protection, commercial, industrial and medical needs of the town.
A Stage 2 Alert is issued when, “there is a probability that the City’s supply (treatment) and/or distribution system will not be able to meet all water demands of the City’s customers.”
These additional restrictions are applied in an effort to reduce the city’s monthly acre-feet use by 15% – 25%.
The City is also providing free water-conserving showerheads (one per household) which you can pick up at the Public Works office at 720 South Street.
Stage 2 Restrictions in Effect Until Further Notice
1.All pools and spas shall be equipped with re-circulation pump and shall be constructed leak proof. Water use for ornamental ponds and fountains shall be prohibited.
2.All industries and large commercial potable water users, such as schools, supermarkets, civic buildings, etc., shall update their Water Conservation Plans to indicate a 25% reduction in water use, and submit to the City of Susanville for approval within thirty (30) days of this declaration.
3.Parks and school grounds shall be watered at night only, three (3) nights per week, and shall update their Water Conservation Plan to indicate a 25% reduction in water use and submit to the City of Susanville for approval within thirty (30) days of this declaration.
4.All new developments (homes) shall be required to install low flow devices, i.e., toilets and shower heads, and to pay a $300 fee to the City of Susanville prior to construction for purchase of water conservation retrofit kits.
5.Upon a Stage II declaration, no new landscaping shall be permitted.
6.All residents and commercial customers shall be required to water at night and for only three (3) nights per week. They shall also be encouraged to use low flow sprinkler heads and/or drip systems.
7.Washing of driveways and parking lots, except as necessary for health and safety, shall be prohibited.
8.All City of Susanville residents and commercial water customers using excessive quantities of water shall be required to install retrofit kits. (The City of Susanville will have water conservation kits available.)
9.The City of Susanville may tier water rates to discourage excessive use of water and penalize customers who fail to meet the 15%-25% reduction.