Coachella Valley Water District revises conservation rules

Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) revised their conservation rules, returning to Level 1 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plan following an improved water supply and Governor Newsom lifting California’s 15 percent voluntary conservation directive.

CVWD has discontinued drought penalties and increased the conservation rebate program to a total of $14.35 million for this fiscal year. CVWD offers rebates of $3 per square foot for turf conversion.

California’s ban on watering ornamental grass on commercial, industrial and institutional sites, including HOAs, remains in place. It does not include areas used for recreation or civic community events or turf areas with grass.

CVWD enforces the mandatory water restrictions in Level 1 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan. They include:

1. A ban on watering landscape during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
2. Repair broken sprinklers within 24 hours of notification.
3. Fix or adjust irrigation systems that cause water runoff.
4. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing vehicles, windows or solar panels.
5. Do not hose down hard surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks and asphalt.
6. Do not use drinking water in a fountain or other decorative water feature unless the water is part of a recirculating system.