The city of Los Angeles is planning to move into “phase 3” of water conservation as Southern California is experiencing a shortage.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and Mayor Eric Garcetti detailed what “phase 3” would mean for Angelenos starting June 1, pending approval from the city council.

“Los Angeles didn’t just become one of the most water efficient cities in the world overnight – but regardless of how much we’ve already done, today is about recognizing how much further we have to go,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “While the reduction in outdoor watering is important, it’s just one piece of our larger conservation effort – so if we want our children and grandchildren to be able to turn to the tap with confidence, we need to double down on the solutions that have made conservation a way of life in L.A.”

Among the most immediate changes will be the city’s switch from watering plants and grass three days a week, to two days a week.

LADWP customers whose addresses end in even numbers will be specifically reduced to watering on Thursdays and Saturdays.

The new watering restrictions will coincide with current water restrictions, which limit watering to 8 minutes per session (15 if using conservation nozzles) and do not allow watering between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The focus on watering comes as irrigation makes up 35% of water use in the city of Los Angeles.

Garcetti also highlighted existing rebate options offered by LADWP, including:

  • $3 per square foot rebate for turf replacement for up to 5,000 square feet per project for residential and commercial customers
  • $500 for high-efficiency laundry washers
  • $250 for high-efficiency toilets
  • $500 for zero and ultra low water urinals
  • $6 for rotating sprinkler nozzles
  • Free bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators
  • Free high-efficiency showerheads
  • $5 million allocated by LADWP to offer discounts on real-time water use monitoring devices

“In selecting the option offered by MWD to go on a water budget, we believe we can manage our system to meet the limitations in water delivery by MWD by going to two-days-a-week watering, while giving customers recognition for the significant conservation efforts they have already made for over a decade,” LADWP General Manager Martin Adams said.

 

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