California American Water to Begin Water Waste Patrols in Its Los Angeles and Ventura County Districts

Rhea-AI Summary

California American Water announced an increase in enforcement of water usage guidelines due to ongoing drought conditions in Southern California. Starting August 8, 2022, water waste patrols will monitor prohibited irrigation practices in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. First-time violators will receive warnings and educational resources, while continued violations may incur fines. The company encourages immediate water use reduction and adherence to specific watering schedules for residential and commercial customers.

Positive

• Implementation of water waste patrols indicates proactive management of drought conditions.
• First-time violators receive educational resources, promoting better water conservation practices.

Negative

• Enforcement of fines for continued violations may create dissatisfaction among customers.
• Ongoing drought conditions may affect water supply and operational costs.

The company will be stepping up public education and enforcement of its water usage guidelines

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As drought conditions continue to affect communities across the state, California American Water announced it will be stepping enforcement of its water shortage rules by implementing water waste patrols. The increased monitoring reflects ongoing drought conditions and a need to further curtail water consumption during the dry summer months.

Patrols will begin on Monday, August 8, 2022, throughout the company’s Los Angeles County and Ventura County Districts. California American Water is partnering with Green Media Creations, Inc., and their employees will be in co-branded vehicles and will carry their company identification. The patrols will monitor for prohibited irrigation such as watering on non-designated days, overwatering, overspray and hosing down hard surfaces like driveways.

“The purpose of our water waste patrols is not to punish or shame over-watering,” said Jessica Taylor, Southern California Director of Operations. “This is yet another tool we can use to educate customers on up-to-date watering schedules and incentivize further conservation. We want to help our customers do the right thing and will provide resources and tools that can assist them.”

First time violators will receive a warning and will be prescribed corrective measures. California American Water will work with these customers to educate them about the drought and the associated water use restrictions. Continued violations may result in fines.

California American Water is calling on all consumers to immediately reduce their water use and follow their District’s watering schedule as outlined below.

Ventura County District

Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Camarillo Customers

• One-Day-A-Week
  • Residential Odd Address (Addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Saturday
  • Residential Even Address (Addresses ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, 0): Sunday
  • Non-residential (including multi-family apartments, retail and commercial properties, churches, schools, and parks): Wednesday
  • No Watering Monday through Friday for Residential Properties

El Rio Customers

• Two-Days-A-Week
  • Odd Address (Addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Tuesday and Saturday
  • Even Address (Addresses ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, 0): Thursday and Sunday
  • No Watering Monday, Wednesday, or Friday

Los Angeles County District

• Two-Days-A-Week
  • Odd Address (Addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Tuesday and Saturday
  • Even Address (Addresses ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, 0): Thursday and Sunday
  • No watering on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday

For All Districts

• To avoid evaporation, we recommend customers please water outdoors before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.
• Watering is limited to a total of 10 minutes per station per allowed day
• Hand watering with a garden hose/nozzle and Low-flow irrigation systems (Including drip irrigation and micro spray) that emit less than two gallons per hour are exempt from day of week and time limitation except for irrigation of turf
• Residential turf grass irrigation (irrigation timer or garden hose) only permissible on allowed watering day
• Commercial customers are prohibited from irrigating non-functional turf

California American Water is working with customers to identify water waste in our service areas and help conserve our precious resource. Customers can report water waste activities and find additional information by visiting their local conservation webpage. Ventura County District customers can visit Ventura (amwater.com) and Los Angeles County District customers can visit Los Angeles (amwater.com).

About California American Water: California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to more than 725,000 people. Information regarding California American Water’s service areas can be found on the company’s website www.californiaamwater.com.

About American Water: With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220805005456/en/

Media Contact:

Brian Barreto

Manager – External Affairs

Phone: (626) 614-2542

Email: brian.barreto@amwater.com

Source: California American Water

FAQ

What is the recent announcement by California American Water regarding water usage?

California American Water announced increased enforcement of water usage guidelines starting August 8, 2022, due to continuing drought conditions.

When do the water waste patrols begin in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties?

The water waste patrols will begin on August 8, 2022.

What happens to first-time violators of water usage restrictions?

First-time violators will receive a warning and educational resources to help them comply with water usage guidelines.

What are the consequences for continued violations of water usage rules?

Continued violations may result in fines as part of the enforcement of water shortage rules.