To comply with Governor Newsom’s executive order N-7-22, the Vallecitos Water District’s Board of Directors voted to move to a Level 2 Drought Alert at their regular meeting on April 20, 2022. Starting November 1, 2022, Vallecitos customers can irrigate only two times per week on a schedule of their own choosing through the end of May
2023.
Additionally, a new statewide emergency water conservation regulation bans using potable (drinkable) water on decorative or non-functional grass at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties.
The regulation’s ban on watering non-functional turf (turf is defined as mowed grass) at commercial, industrial and institutional properties includes areas like the grass in front of or next to large commercial buildings and common areas managed by homeowners’ associations. The ban does not include watering grass used for human recreation or other community activities, watering residential grass or watering trees. The ban also does not prohibit the use of recycled water or well water for irrigating non-functional turf.
Vallecitos’ Drought Alert also serves as a good reminder of prohibited wasteful practices that are in effect at all times within the Vallecitos service area, such as:
• Irrigating between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Irrigating within 48 hours of a measurable rain event
• Visible signs of runoff when irrigating landscapes
• Hosing down hardscapes (patios, driveways, sidewalks, etc.)
• Not using a shut-off nozzle when washing cars
• Not fixing leaks within 48 hours of discovery
Commercial customers must also comply with the following requirements:
• Restaurants only serve water on request
• Hotels provide the option of not laundering linens and towels
Vallecitos has sufficient water supplies for its customers, even if drought conditions persist. This is due to the fact that Vallecitos now receives a portion of its water directly from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, which is a local, drought-resilient supply. Regardless, customers should always use water wisely.
Ways customers can save water include:
• Only washing full loads of laundry or dishes
• Taking shorter showers, rather than baths
• Do not run water while brushing teeth or washing hands
For more information on drought regulations and conservation programs available to assist customers in their conservation efforts, go to www.vwd.org/drought or call the District at (760) 744-0460.
About Vallecitos Water District: As an independent, special district, Vallecitos is dedicated to providing water, wastewater, and reclamation services to over 105,000 people in a 45-square-mile area that includes San Marcos; the community of Lake San Marcos; portions of Carlsbad, Escondido, and Vista; and other surrounding unincorporated areas.
