For Immediate Release
June 23, 2015
Contact: Matt Myerhoff, Media Information Officer
Email: mmyerhoff@malibucity.org [mailto:mmyerhoff@malibucity.org]
Phone: 818.293.8962
Malibu Passes Water Conservation Ordinance to Address California’s Historic Drought and Tough New State Mandated Water Use Reductions
(Malibu, CA) – At its June 22 meeting, the Malibu City Council unanimously passed a new ordinance to promote water conversation and crack down on water waste amidst the worst drought in California’s history and drastic water use reductions mandated by the state. The City also enhanced its website with new information and resources to help residents and businesses reduce water use.
California is facing the worst drought in its history. On April 1, Governor Jerry Brown issued California’s first-ever mandatory water reductions to cut water use statewide by 25%. Based on Malibu’s high per-capita water use (250 gallons a day on average), the state determined that L.A. Waterworks District 29, Malibu’s water retailer, must reduce water consumption by 36% over the next year.
“California’s historic drought is one of the biggest challenges of our generation,” said Mayor John Sibert. “With this new ordinance, the City of Malibu demonstrated its commitment to conserving our most valuable resource and empowering our residents to be a part of the water conservation solution.”
Malibu’s water conservation ordinance includes the following new and revised provisions:
Prohibits spray irrigating between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM
Prohibits run-off from irrigation onto other properties, streets, or other paved areas
Limits the watering of lawns and irrigating of landscapes to only two days per week
Prohibits watering or irrigating any landscaping within 48 hours of rainfall
Sets requirements for using water during construction activities
Prohibits irrigating or other water spraying activities when high winds can create water drifting
Requires wash water from nonprofessional car washing to absorb into landscaping on the property
Requires mobile car wash and detail services to capture and re-use or recycle used water
Prohibits hosing off sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or other paved areas
Provides overnight lodging customers the option of not having towels laundered daily
The City’s existing water conservation requirements, such as not serving water at restaurants unless requested, requiring automatic shut-off nozzles on hoses, and landscaping design standards remain in effect.
The City added information and resources to www.malibucity.org/ConserveH2O [http://www.malibucity.org/ConserveH2O] to make it easier for the community to understand the requirements and save water, including an FAQ on water conservation measures, incentives and rebates, and Los Angeles County Waterworks District 29 allocations. There is also an online form to report water wasters at www.malibucity.org/WaterWaster. City staff responds to the reports with education and assistance to the reported parties to help them reduce any water waste and implement conservation steps.
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