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Valencia Water Co. is conducting visual inspections as well as responding to calls about apparent water-wasting activities, beginning the morning of July 13.

Valencia Water Inspections Starting July 13

Valencia Water Co. is conducting visual inspections as well as responding to calls about apparent water-wasting activities, beginning the morning of July 13.


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For a first violation of the prohibited activities, a written notice will be provided to the customer by mail or personal delivery, according to a news release from Valencia Water Co. Any leak notifications must be repaired within 48 hours. For a second violation, a second written warning in the form of a non-compliance notice provided to the customer by mail or personal delivery.

For third and subsequent violations, a fine of $50 per violation will be imposed with an increase of $50 for each subsequent violation up to a maximum of $500 per day, according to a news release. Continuous violation may result in the installation of a flow restrictor or water service shutoff.

Dedicated irrigation meters may be shut off immediately when a leak is observed and notice of violation is provided to the customer by mail or personal delivery, according to a news release. The leak must be repaired before water service can be turned on.

California is now in the fourth year of an extreme drought. The year began with a lack of snowpack and state reservoirs far below normal, according to a news release. Under state rules that went into effect June 1, Valencia Water Company is required to reduce water use by 24 percent from 2013 levels. This requirement remains in effect through February 2016.

“Valencia Water Company believes its customers, who have responded very well so far to the call to save water, can take the necessary additional steps to meet our mandate of a 24 percent water reduction,” said Keith Abercrombie, VWC general manager. “However, we also want to remind customers that additional restrictions and actions may be necessary if we don’t achieve the required level of water-use reduction.”

Earlier this year, VWC’s board adopted a new rate structure with a provision to enact a “drought smart allocation” system as needed. If necessary, the modified allocation system can be implemented to send additional and more severe pricing signals to customers who exceed their monthly allocations.

Valencia Water Company customers are encouraged to take advantage of free water-saving fixtures offered by VWC, as well rebates for other water-saving devices such as drip-irrigation systems and high-efficiency toilets. Valencia Water Company customers also can receive a free water survey of their home. Water-saving ideas, rebate forms and more details are available on the Valencia Water Company website here or by calling 661-294-0828.

Prohibited activities:

Under rules adopted, the following activities are prohibited within the Valencia Water Company service area:

* The application of potable 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, and/or structures.

* The use of a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle, except where the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device attached to it that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use.

* The application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks.

* The use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system.

* The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measureable rainfall.

* The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, cafes, cafeterias, bars, or other public places where food or drink are served and/or purchased.

* Irrigation with potable water of ornamental turf on public street medians.

* The irrigation with potable water of landscapes outside of newly constructed homes and buildings in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development.

* The irrigation with potable water of outdoor lawns, turf, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on all days, except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container or for very short periods of time for the purpose of evaluating, adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.

Watering restrictions:

Valencia Water has limited their customers to two nights of watering per week and has defined the penalties customers face if they waste water.

Effective immediately, all Valencia Water Co. customers are now restricted to watering landscapes to twice a week and cannot water between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Under the twice-weekly watering schedule, customers with addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) can water on Monday and Thursday; customers with addresses ending in an even number (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) can water on Tuesday and Friday. No outdoor watering is permitted on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday.

Valencia Water Company’s board of directors today adopted a series of watering restrictions to comply with the California Water Resources Control Board’s mandate of VWC to reduce water use by 24 percent for the next several months.

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Valencia Water Inspections Starting July 13

One comment

  1. NOW the “water police” yet 21,000 houses are being approved on
    Highway 126 that will be allowed new lawns and trees while we get “tickets”.
    What is wrong with this picture folks?

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