Stage 1 Water Conservation is Always in Effect

Monterey Peninsula: Special rules for a special community. The Peninsula is always in Stage 1 of the Monterey Peninsula Water Conservation and Rationing Plan (MPWMD Regulation XV and Cal-Am Rule 14.1.1). This is a joint conservation program between the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and California American Water. Adhering to this plan is important to protect our water supply and the sensitive natural environment of the Carmel River.

Water waste is always prohibited. Water Waste means indiscriminate, unreasonable, or excessive running or dissipation of water. Water Waste includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Waste caused by correctable leaks, breaks or malfunctions. All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in a Water User’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within 72 hours of notification that a leak exists. Exceptions may be granted by the General Manager for corrections which are not feasible or practical.

2. Indiscriminate or excessive water use which allows excess to run to waste.

3. Washing driveways, patios, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard surfaced areas with potable water, except in cases where health or safety are at risk and the surface is cleaned with a Water Broom or other water efficient device or method. Water should be used only when traditional brooms are not able to clean the surface in a satisfactory manner.

4. Power or pressure washing buildings and structures with Potable water, except when preparing surfaces for paint or other necessary treatments or when abating a health or safety hazard.

5. Irrigation between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on any day, and irrigation on any day other than Saturdays and Wednesdays, except for irrigation overseen by a professional gardener or landscaper who is available on Site and that is not exceeding a maximum two watering days per week. This prohibition applies to hand watering with a hose, and irrigation systems whether spray, drip, or managed by a Smart Controller. Limited hand watering of plants or bushes with a small container or a bucket is permitted on any day at any time. Subsurface Graywater Irrigation Systems may also be operated at any time. An exemption may be given to a Non-Residential establishment whose business requires water in the course of its business practice (e.g. golf courses, nurseries, recreational space, among others) with notification by the business owner to the District, and subject to the approval of the General Manager.

6. Hand watering by a hose, during permitted hours, without a quick acting positive-action shut-off nozzle.

7. Irrigating during rainfall and for 48 hours after Measurable Precipitation.

8. Use of water for irrigation or outdoor purposes in a manner inconsistent with California’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Code of Regulations, Title 23, Water, Division 2, Department of Water Resources, Chapter 2.7, and MPWMD Rule 142.1) where applicable, or in a manner inconsistent with local regulations.

9. Operation of fountains, ponds, lakes or other ornamental use of potable water without recycling, and except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life, provided such animals are of significant value and have been actively managed.

10. Individual private washing of cars with a hose except with the use of a Positive Action Shut-Off Nozzle.

11. Washing commercial aircraft, cars, buses, boats, trailers or other commercial vehicles with Potable water, except at water efficient commercial or fleet vehicle or boat washing facilities where equipment is properly maintained to avoid wasteful use.

12. In-bay or conveyor car washes permitted and constructed prior to January 1, 2014, that do not recycle and reuse at least 50 percent of the wash and rinse water. In-Bay or Conveyor Car Washes that were permitted and constructed after January 1, 2014, that do not either: (1) use and maintain a water recycling system that recycles and reuses at least 60 percent of the wash and rinse water; or (2) use Recycled Water provided by a water supplier for at least 60 percent of its wash and rinse water.

13. Charity car washes.

14. Use of potable water for street cleaning.

15. Failure to meet MPWMD Regulation XIV water efficiency standards for an existing Non-Residential User after having been given a reasonable amount of time to comply.

16. Serving drinking water to any customer unless expressly requested, by a restaurant, hotel, café, cafeteria or other public place where food is sold, served or offered for sale.

17. Visitor-Serving Facilities that fail to adopt and promote towel and linen reuse programs and provide written notice in the rooms, whereby towels and linens are changed every three days or as requested by action of the guest.

18. Washing of livestock with a hose except with the use of a positive action shut-off nozzle.

Follow the Outdoor Watering Schedule

A limited two-day per week watering scheduling is in place. Irrigation may occur before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. only on Saturdays and Wednesdays, except for irrigation overseen by a professional gardener or landscaper who is available on site and that is not exceeding a maximum two watering days per week. Limited hand watering of plants or bushes with a small container or a bucket is permitted on any day at any time. Subsurface Graywater Irrigation Systems may also be operated at any time.

Irrigation using water from a Well is exempt from the watering day restriction if irrigation is done in an efficient manner. Well irrigators located in urban areas are encouraged to display signage that indicates the water used for irrigation is from a Well or other Source of Supply on the Site

Remember to adjust your sprinklers each season and contact California American Water for a free audit by a water conservation expert.

Lawn Removal Rebate Program

MPWMD accepts applications for the Lawn Removal Rebate program in the Cal-Am system. Applicants must pre-qualify for the rebate.