VOM Water District sets conservation rules

Limiting irrigation to three days a week and water served only by request in restaurants are among the rules issued by the Valley of the Moon Water District (VOMWD) in an effort to cut overall water use by 20 percent less compared to 2013. VOMWD’s service area extends from the Trinity Oaks Subdivision, located north of the town of Glen Ellen, to the Temelec Subdivision located at the southern end of the Sonoma Valley

The following is a list of current restrictions and prohibitions effective immediately:

• Irrigating no more than 3 days per week
• Irrigation is limited to the hours between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• No irrigation water may run off or over-sprays the irrigated area
• Leaks that are known to the customer must be repaired
• Use of a garden or utility hose without a hose-end shut-off nozzle is prohibited
• No use of potable water for street washing
• No washing sidewalks, patios, driveways and other hardscapes unless for public health
• Recycled water must be used for construction dust control
• No water served in restaurants without customer request

Penalties and enforcement procedures were not included in Wednesday’s statement.

“Many customers have already done their part and are expected to remain efficient and diligent,” General Manager Daniel Muelrath. “It is the customers than have not yet taken action or that can do more to eliminate waste need to act now.”

An efficient home should use no more than 59 gallons per person per day plus 4,500 gallons per month for irrigation water (family of two = 8,000 gallons per month in summer; 3,500 gallons per month in winter; family of four = 11,500 gallons per month in summer and 7,000 gallons per month in winter).

Although our local water supplies are in slightly better condition this year, Muelrath said, “we support the governor’s approach that we are all Californians and we will get through this drought together.”