Oceanside CA– Concerns about declining statewide water reserve levels continue as California’s water supply situation becomes more serious each day. Responding to this worsening condition , the San Diego County Water Authority recently declared a Level 2 Drought Alert , calling for mandatory water restrictions and conservation to keep as much water as possible in storage for 2015. The mandatory water use rules , now in effect in the City of Oceanside, instruct residents and businesses to prevent water waste and reduce water use by up to 20 percent.

Outdoor water use:

• Give your landscaping only the water it needs: * Only water landscaping using sprinklers on Tues. and Sat. for no more than 10 minutes per water station in the early morning or late evening (multiple, shorter run times can reduce runoff by allowing water to soak into the soil) . *Drip, micro-irrigation, or stream rotor systems may run for longer than 10 minutes but are still limited to assigned watering days.

• Does not apply to systems using water efficient devices including weather – based controllers, drip/micro/irrigation systems or stream rotor sprinklers and does not apply to commercial growers or nurseries
  

• Use a hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle or low-volume non-spray irrigation to water landscaped areas with no irrigation system.
• Sweep paved surfaces; do not wash down with a hose.
• Repair leaks and broken sprinkler nozzles.
• Wash vehicles using a bucket and hand- held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle (a professional car wash is preferred to keep pollutants out of storm drains).
• Stop operating ornamental fountains unless recycled water is used.

Indoors:

• Repair all leaks including toilet, faucet, shower and other indoor leaks.

Restaurants:

• Serve and refill water in restaurants only upon request.

Hotels:

• Offer hotel guests the option of not laundering towels and linens daily.

Those not following the mandatory restrictions are subject to a citation and possible fines.