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Alameda County Water District (ACWD) joined the growing list of agencies who have declared a water shortage emergency last week. The agency that serves Fremont, Newark and Union City adopted an ordinance on December 9 aimed at reducing water use by 15% across the Tri-City area.
“With record low rainfall and dismal long-range forecasts, we need customers to conserve,” said ACWD Board President John Weed. “Reduced strain on our water supply will help us meet our customers’ needs, and we ask customers to save where they can.”
Customers are asked to eliminate water waste, limit outdoor irrigation while maintaining landscape viability, and minimize other non-essential water use.
Prohibited during the water shortage emergency:
- Runoff from irrigation or watering
- Leaks and breaks within customers’ plumbing that are not fixed within 72 hours after the leak is discovered
- Draining and subsequent refilling of swimming pools
- Use of decorative water fountains
- Using hoses without quick-acting positive shutoff nozzles
- Hosing off sidewalks, driveways, etc.
- Irrigation while it is raining, or irrigation that results in ponding or excessive runoff
Lawns and other landscaping may be watered no more than one day every other week, November through February, with additional irrigation days in warmer months. Public parks and sports and playing fields are allowed one extra day of irrigation per week. Customers are encouraged to maintain and irrigate trees to ensure survival during extended dry periods.
While the ordinance does not impose reductions on individual water accounts, ACWD will address violations by written warning, an onsite visit, and the termination of water service for repeated violations.
The ordinance is effective immediately and will continue until further notice.
