California Drought
Del Oro Water is firmly committed to producing and delivering a safe, dependable supply of quality water in an efficient, cost-effective manner with service that exceeds the expectations of our customer. We continue to closely monitor the status of the drought. Together we can manage the drought.
Utilize the following links to get informed on how the drought will impact you.
US Drought Monitor for California
CA Dept of Water Resources – Current Conditions
California Drought Actions by Governor Newsom
With his October 19, 2021 proclamations, Governor Newsom has declared a Statewide Drought Emergency. Del Oro Water is asking its customers to voluntarily conserve to maintain water supplies for the health and safety of all customers.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan With Staged Mandatory Reductions And Drought Surcharges
Del Oro Water Company’s (DOWC) supply of water may be interrupted or reduced due to a variety of circumstances; for instance, in response to a drought or other catastrophic event. This Schedule builds upon DOWC’s Rule 14.1 and provides it with additional means to achieve necessary reductions in water use.
Stages of Water Use Restrictions
The following stages of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan With Staged Mandatory Reductions And Drought Surcharges are set by the state to ensure that we maintain adequate safe, clean and reliable water.
Click each Stage on the left for a summary of the water shortage response actions as required by the State.
Currently, all Del Oro Water districts are in Stage 1, with the exception of River Island District in Stage 5.
When Stage 1 Water Use Restrictions are declared:
Outdoor Irrigation Restrictions:
The application of potable water to irrigate ornamental landscaping during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions:
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the customer’s plumbing fixtures and/or irrigation system must be repaired within five (5) business days of written notification by DOWC.
Prohibited Uses of Water:
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- The application of potable water to landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, un-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures;
- The use of a hose that is not fitted with a shut-off nozzle;
- The application of potable water to driveways & sidewalks;
- Water features except where the water is part of a recirculating system;
- To outdoor landscapes during and within forty-eight (48) hours after measurable rainfall.
- Irrigation outside of newly constructed homes and buildings with potable water in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission or other state agencies;
- The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments.
Stage 1 Water Use Restrictions violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $50 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
When Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions are declared:
Outdoor Irrigation Restrictions:
The application of potable water to irrigate ornamental landscaping during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Outdoor Irrigation by residential and commercial customers is limited to no more than three (3) days per week, on a schedule provided by bill message, bill insert, direct mail or email, or as follows:
-
- Customers with even-numbered addresses may irrigate on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
- Customers with odd-numbered addresses may irrigate on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Customers without a street address may irrigate on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions:
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the customer’s plumbing fixtures and/or irrigation system must be repaired within five (5) business days of written notification by DOWC.
Prohibited Uses of Water:
-
- The application of potable water to landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, un-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures;
- The use of a hose that is not fitted with a shut-off nozzle;
- The application of potable water to driveways & sidewalks;
- Water features except where the water is part of a recirculating system;
- To outdoor landscapes during and within forty-eight (48) hours after measurable rainfall.
- Irrigation outside of newly constructed homes and buildings with potable water in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission or other state agencies.
- The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments.
Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $100 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
When Stage 3 Water Use Restrictions are declared:
Mandatory Water Budgets:
Water budgets may be imposed which may include provisions such as minimum water budgets to protect the health and safety of customers, and an appeals process.
In addition to the normal rate paid for the unit of water, a surcharge will be charged to a customer for each unit of water used over the established water budget for the billing period.
Outdoor Irrigation Restrictions:
The application of potable water to irrigate ornamental landscaping during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Outdoor Irrigation by residential and commercial customers is limited to no more than three (3) days per week, on a schedule provided by bill message, bill insert, direct mail or email, or as follows:
-
- Customers with even-numbered addresses may irrigate on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
- Customers with odd-numbered addresses may irrigate on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Customers without a street address may irrigate on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions:
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the customer’s plumbing fixtures and/or irrigation system must be repaired within three (3) business days of written notification by DOWC.
Prohibited Uses of Water:
-
- The application of potable water to landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, un-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures;
- The use of a hose that is not fitted with a shut-off nozzle;
- The application of potable water to driveways & sidewalks;
- Water features except where the water is part of a recirculating system;
- To outdoor landscapes during and within forty-eight (48) hours after measurable rainfall;
- The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments;
- Irrigation of ornamental landscape on public street medians with potable water;
- Irrigation outside of newly constructed homes and buildings with potable water in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission or other state agencies.
- Use of potable water for street cleaning with trucks, except for initial washdown for construction purposes (if street sweeping is not feasible);
- Use of potable water for construction purposes, such as consolidation of backfill, dust control, or other uses unless no other source of water or method can be used.
Stage 3 Water Use Restrictions violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $200 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
When Stage 4 Water Use Restrictions are declared:
Mandatory Water Budgets:
Water budgets may be imposed which may include provisions such as minimum water budgets to protect the health and safety of customers, and an appeals process.
In addition to the normal rate paid for the unit of water, a surcharge will be charged to a customer for each unit of water used over the established water budget for the billing period.
Outdoor Irrigation Restrictions:
The application of potable water to irrigate ornamental landscaping during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Outdoor Irrigation by residential and commercial customers is limited to no more than two (2) days per week, on a schedule provided by bill message, bill insert, direct mail or email, or as follows:
-
- Customers with even-numbered addresses may irrigate on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
- Customers with odd-numbered addresses may irrigate on Sundays and Wednesdays.
- Customers without a street address may irrigate on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions:
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the customer’s plumbing fixtures and/or irrigation system must be repaired within two (2) business days of written notification by DOWC.
Prohibited Uses of Water:
-
- The application of potable water to landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, un-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures;
- The application of potable water to driveways & sidewalks;
- Water features except where the water is part of a recirculating system;
- To outdoor landscapes during and within forty-eight (48) hours after measurable rainfall;
- Irrigation outside of newly constructed homes and buildings with potable water in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission or other state agencies;
- The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments;
- Irrigation of ornamental landscape on public street medians with potable water;
- The use of potable water to fill or refill decorative fountains or pools;
- The use of potable water for recreation facilities such as water parks;
- Use of potable water for street cleaning with trucks, except for initial washdown for construction purposes (if street sweeping is not feasible);
- Use of potable water for construction purposes, such as consolidation of backfill, dust control, or other uses unless no other source of water or method can be used.
- Car washing is only permitted using commercial car wash that recirculates water.
Stage 4 Water Use Restrictions violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $400 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
When Stage 5 Water Use Restrictions are declared:
Mandatory Water Budgets:
Water budgets may be imposed which may include provisions such as minimum water budgets to protect the health and safety of customers, and an appeals process.
In addition to the normal rate paid for the unit of water, a surcharge will be charged to a customer for each unit of water used over the established water budget for the billing period.
Outdoor Irrigation Restrictions:
The application of potable water to irrigate ornamental landscaping during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Outdoor Irrigation by residential and commercial customers is limited to no more than one (1) days per week, on a schedule provided by bill message, bill insert, direct mail or email, or as follows:
-
- Customers with even-numbered addresses may irrigate on Saturdays.
- Customers with odd-numbered addresses may irrigate on Sundays.
- Customers without a street address may irrigate on Saturdays.
Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions:
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the customer’s plumbing fixtures and/or irrigation system must be repaired within one (1) business day of written notification by DOWC.
Prohibited Uses of Water:
-
- The application of potable water to landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, un-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures;
- The application of potable water to driveways & sidewalks;
- Water features except where the water is part of a recirculating system;
- To outdoor landscapes during and within forty-eight (48) hours after measurable rainfall;
- Irrigation outside of newly constructed homes and buildings with potable water in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission or other state agencies;
- The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments;
- Irrigation of ornamental turf on public street medians with potable water;
- The use of potable water to fill or refill decorative fountains or pools;
- The use of potable water for recreation facilities such as water parks;
- Use of potable water for street cleaning with trucks, except for initial washdown for construction purposes ;
- Use of potable water for construction purposes, such as consolidation of backfill, dust control, or other uses;
- Car washing is only permitted using commercial car wash that recirculates water.
Stage 5 Water Use Restrictions violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $800 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
When Stage 6 Water Use Restrictions are declared:
Mandatory Water Budgets:
Water budgets may be imposed which may include provisions such as minimum water budgets to protect the health and safety of customers, and an appeals process.
In addition to the normal rate paid for the unit of water, a surcharge will be charged to a customer for each unit of water used over the established water budget for the billing period.
Outdoor Irrigation Restrictions:
Irrigating ornamental landscapes with potable water is prohibited.
Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions:
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the customer’s plumbing fixtures and/or irrigation system must be repaired within one (1) business day of written notification by DOWC.
Prohibited Uses of Water:
-
- The application of potable water to landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, un-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures;
- The application of potable water to driveways & sidewalks;
- Water features except where the water is part of a recirculating system;
- To outdoor landscapes during and within forty-eight (48) hours after measurable rainfall;
- The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments;
- The use of potable water to fill or refill decorative fountains or pools;
- The use of potable water for recreation facilities such as water parks;
- Use of potable water for street cleaning with trucks, except for initial washdown for construction purposes ;
- Use of potable water for construction purposes, such as consolidation of backfill, dust control, or other uses;
Stage 6 Water Use Restrictions violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $1,600 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
Additional Residential and Business Restrictions Per Stage
Each Stage is Subject to the Restrictions of the Previous Stages in Addition to the ones Listed Below
Additional Restrictions
Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission and the State Water Resources Control Board, Del Oro Water Company wants our customers to be aware of the following residential and business restrictions:
If you happen to see someone wasting water, we want to know about it so that we can work with them to use water wisely. Fill out a Report Water Waste report.
As part of our effort to help conserve water, we will notify customers when we receive information that indicates that a water leak may exist that is within the customer’s control. If you are concerned that you may have a water leak or if you have any other questions about the prohibited uses of water, please do not hesitate to contact Del Oro.
Some cities or counties may have adopted, or may do so in the future, additional restrictions on water use and/or outdoor irrigation that may be more restrictive than Del Oro’s. Please be sure you are aware of and abide by any such restrictions; in the event of a conflict between those restrictions and Del Oro’s restrictions, those adopted by cities and counties shall govern.
- Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. The hotel or motel shall prominently display notice of this option in each guest room using clear and easily understood language.
- Other duly adopted restrictions on the use of potable water as prescribed from time to time by the Commission or other authorized government agencies are incorporated herein by reference.
- Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. The hotel or motel shall prominently display notice of this option in each guest room using clear and easily understood language.
- New connections may not install single-pass cooling systems for air conditioning or other cooling system applications unless required for health or safety reasons.
- New connections may not install non-recirculating systems for conveyer car wash applications.
- Other duly adopted restrictions on the use of potable water as prescribed from time to time by the Commission or other authorized government agencies are incorporated herein by reference.
- Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. The hotel or motel shall prominently display notice of this option in each guest room using clear and easily understood language.
- New connections may not install single-pass cooling systems for air conditioning or other cooling system applications unless required for health or safety reasons.
- New connections may not install non-recirculating systems for conveyer car wash applications.
- Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds with potable water is prohibited, except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life, provided that such animals are of significant value and have been actively managed within the water feature prior to the implementation of any staged mandatory restrictions of water use as described in this schedule.
- Other duly adopted restrictions on the use of potable water as prescribed from time to time by the Commission or other authorized government agencies are incorporated herein by reference.
- Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. The hotel or motel shall prominently display notice of this option in each guest room using clear and easily understood language.
- New connections may not install single-pass cooling systems for air conditioning or other cooling system applications unless required for health or safety reasons.
- New connections may not install non-recirculating systems for conveyer car wash applications.
- Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds with potable water is prohibited, except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life, provided that such animals are of significant value and have been actively managed within the water feature prior to the implementation of any staged mandatory restrictions of water use as described in this schedule.
- Car washing is only permitted using a commercial car wash that recirculates water or by high pressure/low volume wash systems.
- Other duly adopted restrictions on the use of potable water as prescribed from time to time by the Commission or other authorized government agencies are incorporated herein by reference.
- Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. The hotel or motel shall prominently display notice of this option in each guest room using clear and easily understood language.
- New and existing connections may not install single-pass cooling systems for air conditioning or other cooling system applications unless required for health or safety reasons.
- New connections may not install non-recirculating systems for conveyer car wash applications.
- Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds with potable water is prohibited.
- Car washing is only permitted using a commercial car wash that recirculates water or by high pressure/low volume wash systems.
- Pool covers are required for all pools and spas.
- New service connections must result in a net zero demand increase.
- Other duly adopted restrictions on the use of potable water as prescribed from time to time by the Commission or other authorized government agencies are incorporated herein by reference.
- Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. The hotel or motel shall prominently display notice of this option in each guest room using clear and easily understood language.
- New connections may not install single-pass cooling systems for air conditioning or other cooling system applications unless required for health or safety reasons.
- New connections may not install non-recirculating systems for conveyer car wash applications.
- Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds with potable water is prohibited.
- Car washing is only permitted using a commercial car wash that recirculates water or by high pressure/low volume wash systems.
- Pool covers are required for all pools and spas.
- A moratorium on new water service connections is imposed.
- Other duly adopted restrictions on the use of potable water as prescribed from time to time by the Commission or other authorized government agencies are incorporated herein by reference.