The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all persons, customers, and property served by City water services. The provisions of this chapter are intended to supplement any applicable federal and state laws, including, but not limited to, any applicable emergency regulations promulgated by the State Water Resources Board. To the extent that federal or state laws are more stringent than those set forth in this chapter, they shall control.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012; 2849 § 5, 2014)
The City Manager or designee is authorized and directed to implement the provisions of this chapter.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
The following water conservation measures apply on a mandatory basis to the use of potable water supplied by the City, except where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a State or Federal agency. These requirements shall be effective at all times, including, but not limited to, during the water conservation stages set forth in this chapter, and are permanent. Violations of this section will be considered waste and an unreasonable use of water.
A. 
Limits on watering hours. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on any day, except by use of a hand-water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
B. 
Limit on watering duration. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water using a landscape irrigation system or a watering device that is not continuously attended is limited to no more than 15 minutes watering per day per station. This subsection does not apply to landscape irrigation systems that exclusively use very low-flow drip type irrigation systems when no emitter produces more than two gallons of water per hour and weather-based controllers or stream rotor sprinklers that meet a 70% efficiency standard.
C. 
No water flow or runoff. Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area in a manner that causes or allows water flow or runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter, or ditch is prohibited.
D. 
No washing down hard or paved surfaces. Washing down hard or paved surfaces, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or alleys, is prohibited, except when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container; a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device; a low-volume, high-pressure cleaning machine equipped to recycle any water used; or a low-volume high-pressure water broom.
E. 
No washing vehicles with hose. Washing autos, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other types of mobile equipment with a hose is prohibited, except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device, or a low-volume, high-pressure cleaning machine equipped to recycle any water used.
F. 
No watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall. Watering or irrigation of lawn, landscape or other vegetated areas during or within 48 hours of rain is prohibited.
G. 
Irrigation of landscapes outside of newly constructed homes and buildings must comply with regulations established by the california building standards commission and the department of housing and community development. The irrigation with potable water of landscapes outside of newly constructed homes and buildings in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development is prohibited.
H. 
Commercial lodging establishments must provide customers the option of not having towels and linen laundered daily. Hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments must provide customers the option of not having towels and linens laundered daily.
I. 
Obligation to fix leaks, breaks, or malfunctions. Excessive use, loss, or escape of water through breaks, leaks, or other malfunctions in the water user's plumbing or distribution system for any period of time after such escape of water should have reasonably been discovered and corrected, and in no event more than seven days of receiving notice from the City, is prohibited.
J. 
Recirculating water required for water fountains and decorative water features. Operating a water fountain or other decorative water feature that does not use recirculated water is prohibited.
K. 
No installation of single pass cooling systems. Installation of single pass cooling systems is prohibited in buildings requesting new water service.
L. 
No installation of non-recirculating systems in commercial car wash and laundry operations. Installation of non-recirculating water systems is prohibited in new commercial conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry operations.
(2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012; 2849 § 6, 2014; 2858 § 3, 2015)
The City shall monitor the projected supply and demand for water by its customers on a daily basis. The City Manager, with the assistance of the Public Works Director, shall determine the extent of additional conservation required through the implementation and/or termination of particular water conservation stages in order for the City to prudently plan for and supply water to its customers.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
Based upon the daily monitoring of projected water supply and demand, the City Manager shall recommend the declaration of an appropriate stage of water conservation in accordance with the provisions of this section. A recommendation for implementation of any stage beyond Stage 1 (Voluntary Compliance—Water Watch) shall be reported to the City Council at its next regular meeting. The City Council shall thereupon ratify the declaration, rescind the declaration, or direct the declaration of a different stage. The stage declared and associated regulations shall become effective immediately upon announcement.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
The declaration of any water conservation stage beyond Stage 1 shall be made by public announcement or notice. Such announcement or notices shall be published a minimum of three consecutive times in a newspaper of general circulation.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
No customer of the City shall knowingly make, cause, use, or permit the use of water supplied by the City for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, governmental, or any other purpose in a manner in excess of the amounts authorized by this chapter, or during any period of time other than the periods of time specified in this chapter. At no time shall water be wasted or used unreasonably. The following stages set forth in this chapter shall take effect upon declaration as herein provided.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
Stage 1 applies during times of regional drought when, in the spirit of cooperation, the City desires to assist in overall water conservation and water consumption reduction. During Stage 1, the following water conservation measures shall apply on a voluntary basis to the use of potable water supplied by the City, except where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a State or Federal agency:
A. 
Lawn watering and landscape irrigation should be limited to once every other day. All such irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on any day, except by use of a hand-water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
B. 
The washing of autos, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other types of mobile equipment should be limited to once every other day unless done at a commercial car wash. Such washing, when allowed by this chapter, shall be done only by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device, or a low-volume, high-pressure cleaning machine equipped to recycle any water used.
C. 
The use of a pool/spa cover is encouraged to prevent evaporation water loss.
D. 
Restaurants should avoid serving water to their customers unless the customers specifically request it.
E. 
The use of water from fire hydrants should be limited to fire fighting, system testing, and related activities for construction activities, or for other activities necessary to maintain the public health, safety, and welfare.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012; 2849 § 7, 2014; 2858 § 4, 2015)
Stage 2 applies during periods when the City determines, in its sole discretion, that due to drought or other water supply conditions, a water supply shortage or threatened shortage exists and a consumer demand reduction is necessary to make more efficient use of water and appropriately respond to existing water conditions. During Stage 2, the following water conservation measures shall apply on a mandatory basis, to the use of potable water supplied by the City, except where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a State or Federal agency:
A. 
Lawn watering and landscape irrigation, including construction meter irrigation, is permitted only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. All such irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on any day, except by use of a hand-water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
B. 
Agricultural users and commercial nurseries as defined by the Metropolitan Water District Code are exempt from Stage 2 irrigation restrictions, but are required to curtail all non-essential water use. The watering of livestock and irrigation of propagation beds are permitted at any time.
C. 
Washing of autos, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other types of mobile equipment shall be done only by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device, or a low-volume, high-pressure cleaning machine equipped to recycle any water used.
Exceptions: Washing is permitted at any time on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash. Washing also is permitted at any time where the health, safety, and welfare of the public is contingent upon frequent vehicle cleaning, such as with refuse trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables.
D. 
The use of a pool/spa cover is encouraged to prevent evaporation water loss.
E. 
Watering of golf course, parks, schools, grounds, and recreational fields is permitted only on Tuesdays and Saturdays before the hours of 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.
Exception: Golf course greens may be watered on any day.
F. 
The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting, system testing, and related activities, for construction activities, or for other activities necessary to maintain the public health, safety, and welfare.
G. 
Restaurants shall not serve water to their customers except when specifically requested.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012; 2858 § 5, 2015)
A. 
Stage 3 applies during periods when there is a critical differential between supply and demand and it is determined that demand cannot be reduced sufficiently through Stage 1 and 2 measures to remain within the available supply. During Stage 3, the following water conservation measures shall apply to the use of potable water supplied by the City, except where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a State or Federal agency:
1. 
Lawn watering and landscape irrigation, including construction meter irrigation, is permitted only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. All such irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on any day, except by use of a hand-water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
2. 
Agricultural users and commercial nurseries shall use water only before the hours of 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. The watering of livestock and the irrigation of propagation beds are permitted at any time.
3. 
Washing of autos, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited.
Exceptions:
a. 
Washing is permitted at any time on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash.
b. 
Washing also is permitted where the public health, safety, and welfare is contingent upon frequent vehicle cleaning, such as with refuse trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables. In each such case, washing shall only be permitted by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device, or a low-volume, high-pressure cleaning machine equipped to recycle any water used.
4. 
The use of water by all types of commercial car washes not using partially reclaimed or recycled water shall be reduced in volume by 20%.
5. 
The use of a pool/spa cover is encouraged to prevent evaporation water loss.
6. 
The use of water-softening devices is prohibited.
7. 
Watering golf courses, parks, school grounds, and recreational fields is permitted only on Tuesdays and Saturdays before the hours of 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.
Exception: Golf course greens may be watered on any day.
8. 
The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting, system testing, and related activities, or to other activities necessary to maintain the public health, safety, and welfare.
9. 
Restaurants shall not serve water to their customers except when specifically requested.
10. 
All water leaks shall be repaired immediately.
11. 
New construction meters or permits for unmetered services will not be issued. Construction water shall not be used for earth work or road construction purposes.
B. 
The prohibited uses of water as described above are not applicable to that use of water necessary for public health, safety, and welfare or for essential governmental services such as police, fire, and other similar emergency services.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012; 2858 § 6, 2015)
A. 
Stage 4 applies during periods of severe drought and/or when a major failure of any supply or distribution facility, whether temporary or permanent, occurs in the water distribution system of the State Water Project, the Metropolitan Water District, the Municipal Water District of Orange County, or City facilities. During Stage 4, the following water conservation measures shall apply to the use of potable water supplied by the City, except where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a State or Federal agency:
1. 
All outdoor irrigation of vegetation is prohibited.
2. 
The use of water for agricultural or commercial nursery purposes, except for livestock watering, is prohibited.
3. 
Washing of autos, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited.
Exception: Such washings are exempted from the above regulation where the health, safety, and welfare of the public is contingent upon frequent vehicle cleaning, such as with refuse trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables. In each such case, washing shall only be permitted by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container; a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device; or a low-volume, high-pressure cleaning machine equipped to recycle any water used.
4. 
The filling, refilling or adding of water to swimming pools, spas, ponds, and artificial lakes is prohibited.
5. 
The use of water-softening devices is prohibited.
6. 
Watering of all golf course areas is prohibited. Watering of parks, school grounds, and recreation fields is prohibited, with the exception of plant materials classified as being rare, exceptionally valuable, or essential to the well being of rare or endangered animals, subject to the requirements of Section 14.40.025.
7. 
The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting, system testing, or related activities necessary to maintain the public health, safety, and welfare.
8. 
Restaurants shall not serve water to their customers except when specifically requested.
9. 
New construction meters or permits for unmetered service will not be issued. Construction water shall not be used for earth work or road construction purposes.
10. 
The use of water for commercial, manufacturing, or processing purposes shall be reduced in volume by 50%.
11. 
No water shall be used for air conditioning purposes.
12. 
All water leaks shall be repaired immediately.
B. 
The prohibited uses of water as described above are not applicable to that use of water necessary for public health, safety, and welfare, or for essential governmental services such as police, fire, and other similar emergency services.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012; 2858 § 7, 2015)
Except as otherwise provided in Section 14.40.090, prior to enforcement, any person who is suspected of violating this chapter shall be given a written notice containing the description of the violation. This person then shall have 24 hours to correct the violation.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
A. 
Except as otherwise provided in Section 14.40.090, for the first failure to comply, the City may immediately install a flow restricting device in the customer's water service line for a period not less than 48 hours and until the customer satisfies the City that failure to comply will not continue. The customer shall pay $50.00 for installing and removing the flow restricting device prior to the removal of the device.
B. 
Except as otherwise provided in Section 14.40.090, for the second or subsequent failure to comply with this chapter, the City may discontinue water service for a period of not less than 24 hours and until the customer satisfies the City that failure to comply will not continue. The customer shall pay $150.00 for restoration of water service, prior to the restoration of water service.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
Except as otherwise provided in Section 14.40.090, a customer shall have the right to appeal by filing a written request for appeal within five days with the City Manager or designee. Within 10 days after receipt of a request, a written decision shall be issued. The decision of the City Manager or designee shall be final.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
Any person violating any provision of this chapter or failing to comply with any of the mandatory requirements of this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor, regardless of whether a flow restricting device is installed. If, after any order of the City made pursuant to this chapter has become final, the person to whom such order is directed shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey the order, the person shall also be guilty of a misdemeanor. Violation of any City order issued pursuant to this chapter shall constitute an offense separate from each and every other violation of this chapter. Any person violating any provision of this chapter or any such City order, shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this chapter is committed, continued, or permitted by any person.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
Nothing in the foregoing sections shall be construed to (1) prevent the filing of a criminal action, or a civil court action, or to enjoin any violations pursuant to applicable law if deemed legally appropriate by the City Attorney; (2) prevent the issuance of administrative citations/fines authorized by this Code; or (3) prevent the City from pursuing any other process or action authorized by law.
(2172 § 1, 1991; 2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)
A. 
Undue and disproportionate hardship. If, due to unique circumstances, a specific requirement of this chapter would result in undue hardship to a person using water or to property upon which water is used, that is disproportionate to the impacts to water users generally or to similar property or classes of water users, then the person may apply for a waiver to the requirements as provided in this section.
B. 
Written finding. The waiver may be granted or conditionally granted only upon a written finding of the existence of facts demonstrating an undue hardship to a person using water or to property upon which water is used, that is disproportionate to the impacts to water users generally or to similar property or classes of water use due to specific and unique circumstances of the user or the user's property.
C. 
Application. Application for a waiver must be on a form prescribed by the City and accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee in an amount set by City Council resolution.
D. 
Supporting documentation. The application must be accompanied by photographs, maps, drawings, and other information, including a written statement of the applicant, setting forth the basis for and containing all information supporting the waiver application.
E. 
Required findings for waiver. An application for a waiver will be denied unless the City Manager or his or her designee finds, based on the information provided in the application, supporting documents, or such additional information as may be requested, and on water use information for the property as shown by the records of the City or its agent, all of the following:
1. 
That the waiver does not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon other residents and businesses;
2. 
That because of special circumstances applicable to the property or its use, the strict application of this chapter would have a disproportionate impact on the property or use that exceeds the impacts to residents and businesses generally;
3. 
That the authority of such waiver will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent properties, and will not materially affect the ability of the City to effectuate the purpose of this chapter and will not be detrimental to the public interest; and
4. 
That the condition or situation of the subject property or the intended use of the property for which the waiver is sought is not common, recurrent, or general in nature.
F. 
Approval authority. The City Manager, or designee shall act upon any completed application no later than 10 days after submittal and may approve, conditionally approve, or deny the waiver. The applicant requesting the waiver must be promptly notified in writing of any action taken. Unless specified otherwise at the time a waiver is approved, the waiver will apply to the subject property during the period of the mandatory water supply shortage condition. The decision of the City Manager or designee shall be final.
(2751 § 1, 2009; 2811 § 1, 2012)