There’s nothing really new in Escalon’s water regulations … it’s just that they will now be enforced.
In response to a state call for 20 percent reduction in water consumption due to the ongoing drought, interim City Manager Tammy Alcantor said the city will be much more vigilant in cracking down on ‘water wasters.’
“In June we saw a 10 percent reduction in usage,” she said, which is a good start, but not nearly enough to satisfy the state.
“People can wash a car but they have to use a shutoff nozzle,” Alcantor said. “Also no washing down of driveways and sidewalks.”
Alcantor added that residents are asked to follow some basic rules, including not watering outside between noon and 7 p.m., and not to allow excess water to leave the property.
“We aren’t limiting the watering days,” she said of the current situation, but said that could be mandated in the future if the city can’t reach the 20 percent reduction required by the state.
Early morning is the best time to water lawns, she said, when the weather is cooler, and sprinklers should come on an average of three times a week for three to five minutes each time.
Other tips include washing only full loads of laundry and doing the laundry in the evening when the demand for water is lower, turn water off while brushing teeth or shaving, and installing low-flow shower heads.
“We haven’t been enforcing these very much in the past,” Alcantor said. “We will send warning notices if we find violations, then there are fines.”
Fines for repeated violations by water wasters range from $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and then $400 for each successive violation.
“We have to be stricter because the state is,” Alcantor added.
Residents that see water being wasted – as in sidewalks being watered or sprinklers on for an excessively long time – can report that by calling 209-691-7400 or emailing waterwasters@cityofescalon.org.