After three of the driest years on record, the state experienced an extreme grouping of winter storms that dropped massive amounts of snow on the Sierra Nevada mountains and filled rivers and reservoirs.
As a result, Governor Newsom on March 24 lifted some drought emergency restrictions, including his call on all Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 15 percent. The Governor also rolled back the directive for water agencies to be at Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans, which will allow MSWD to ease restrictions once the State Water Board restrictions sunset on June 10.
While the state’s water outlook has improved, challenges still remain. The Colorado River Basin, a key water supply source for the region, is still in drought. That’s why MSWD and the other Coachella Valley water agencies are continuing to work with customers on ways to save water and adapt to a hotter and drier future.
Regardless of the state’s hydrology, water waste is still prohibited. As outlined in Level 1 of our Water Shortage Contingency Plan, the following demand reductions are still in place.
- Applying any water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures is prohibited.
- Using water in a fountain or other decorative water feature is prohibited unless the water recirculates.
- Applying water to driveways, sidewalks, concrete or asphalt is prohibited unless to address immediate health and safety needs. Reasonable pressure washer or water broom use is permitted.
- Spray irrigation of outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after rainfall of 0.10 inches is prohibited.
- Using a hose to wash a vehicle, windows, or solar panels is prohibited unless an automatic shut-off nozzle or pressure washer is used.
- Broken sprinklers shall be repaired within five business days of notification, and leaks should be repaired as soon as practical.
For questions or more information, please contact the MSWD Public Affairs office at 760-329-6448 ext. 145.