City of Sonoma residents are being asked to reduce their water usage following the declaration of a Stage 2 water shortage amid California's ongoing drought.
The Sonoma City Council released a statement on Tuesday, requiring a 20% decline in suburban water usage and a two-day-a-week limit on residential and commercial watering starting on July 1.
Mandatory cutbacks come after a State Water Resources Control Board order was issued on June 14, requiring Sonoma Water and its water contractors to reduce total diversions from the Russian River by 20% compared to last year.
The second phase of the city’s Water Shortage Contingency prohibits:
- Refilling or initial filling of a swimming pool from the city’s water system except as otherwise needed to maintain the water level for the proper operation of swimming pool pumps and filters;
- Use of water for nonrecirculating ornamental fountains by commercial customers;
- Non-commercial washing of privately owned motor vehicles, trailers, and boats except from a bucket and a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle;
- Any use of water from a fire hydrant except for fighting fires. Use for essential construction needs may be permitted by the director upon submittal of a permit application for construction water;
- Use of potable water for dust control at construction sites; and
- Residential and commercial irrigation except on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The rules are firm but the city will be forgiving, at least for now.
"It is city staff’s intent to urge voluntary compliance rather than impose harsh penalties," city officials explained. "Direct mailed notices, media releases, and temporary signage will be provided to remind residents of the water restrictions in force."
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