Monte Vista renews water supply shortage declaration

In preparation for a fourth dry year, Monte Vista Water District’s Board of Directors renewed their Declaration of a Significant Water Supply Shortage, extending last year’s declaration.

Renewing the declaration means MVWD customers must reduce water use by 20 percent. Previously restricted uses of drinking water continue, including:

• Outdoor watering allowed only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, but not between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (with exceptions such as hand-watering)
• No excess runoff from outdoor watering
• No hosing down driveways, sidewalks, buildings, or parking lots
• No washing vehicles without a shut-off nozzle
• No using water in fountains or other water features without recirculation
• No watering during rain and 48 hours following
• Repair all plumbing and irrigation system leaks within seven (7) days of discovery
• Restaurants serve water only upon request
• Hotels provide option for non-daily linen service
• Water recycling systems required for conveyor and in-bay car washes, cooling towers, and evaporative cooling systems

“Our customers have responded well when we’ve asked them to conserve during drought,” said Board President Sandra Rose. “As conditions worsen, we must all cut our water use and step up conservation efforts to preserve our precious water.”

The declaration of a Significant Water Supply Shortage authorizes staff to implement and enforce enhanced water use requirements to reduce demand and protect the water supply. Customers who violate these restrictions will receive written notice and progressive fines up to $200 per violation. The water use restrictions remain in place for one year, unless rescinded or amended by the Board of Directors.

In addition to renewing the Declaration of a Significant Water Supply Shortage, the Board has approved the implementation of Demand Reduction Rates as revenue shortfalls are anticipated resulting from less water consumed. During the rate setting process, the Board established Demand Reduction Rates to be implemented during planned decreases in water use while service costs still need to be met. The Stage 2 Demand Reduction Rates are effective January 1, 2023. Residential customers will see an average increase of $0.28 per unit (748 gallons) of water if they are efficient users. If they use water more wastefully, they will see an average increase of $0.52 per unit (748 gallons) of water.