Water runs dry

Sprinklers going off during the day is no longer a sight to be seen in Huntington Beach and Sunset Beach after a new water ordinance went into effect Jan. 6, tightening water restrictions in response to water shortages.

The ordinance, which limits watering times and days, and a temporary water supply shortage measure were approved by the Huntington Beach City Council at its Nov. 16 meeting. The city supplies Sunset Beach with water.

“All cities had to cut back because of the drought situation,” Mayor Cathy Green said.

The city is not proactively enforcing the rules and no fines have been given out yet, but residents who fail to follow the restrictions can be slapped with up to a $1,000 fine or up to six months in jail. Water Conservation Coordinator Bill Crisp said the city is looking to “iron out” how the fines are going to work.

The city sent out fliers to businesses, included information in residents’ water bills and is working on getting the ordinance translated into Spanish.

Sheryl Hammond, a resident for nearly 15 years, said she wasn’t aware of the changes, but isn’t surprised. Hammond owns a home in Lake Arroyohead where water restrictions are already enforced. In her Huntington Beach home, Hammond said, she already follows most of the restrictions and plans on making sure to follow the rest.

“We know how important it is,” she said.

The ordinance prohibits irrigation with sprinklers between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and watering is limited to less than 15 minutes a day. However, there is a loophole in the ordinance for residents who water by hand. Homeowners with shut-off hoses can water their lawns every day with impunity if they want, Crisp said.

Residents who want to wash their cars have to use hand-held buckets or a hose equipped with a self-closing water shut-off nozzle; washing hard or paved surfaces is prohibited; and water fountains are required to use a recirculation system. Any leaks must be fixed within seven days of notification.

The temporary water shortage measure further restricts all irrigation water usage to one day a week from November through March and three days a week from April to October. Leaks must also be repaired within 72 hours of notification.

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