Tight water restrictions go into effect in parts of California

CHINO HILLS, CA- The city of Chino Hills, California is adopting tight water conservation measures this week in light of the state’s drought. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought last month after a two-year period of below-average rainfall, low snowmelt runoff and court-ordered water transfer restrictions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region.

New restrictions in Chino Hills include a ban on the use of hoses to wash driveways and porches, a prohibition on residential water leaks, a ban on daytime landscape watering and a restriction on serving of water in restaurants unless customers request it. First-time violators will be warned, according to the conservation ordinance, but multiple violations may warrant fines up to $1,000.

Responses from the town’s residents have been positive. Eldona Reasoner Arns, a Chino Hills resident, said she supports strong conservation efforts. “I think people should be doing what they can to conserve water,” Arns said. “I mean a lot of people over-water their lawns, and it runs into the street. I think everyone should be doing the best they can to conserve water.”

Another resident, Barbara Bridgeford, had suggestions for other conservation measures. “They say we’ve got a water problem, but all they have to do is quit building more houses… We’ve got a water crisis, but they’re saying don’t run your water in the sink,” she said. “There’s a little bit of water, but they don’t want to stop building. Where are those people getting the water?”

Pat Hagler, director of Chino Hills public facilities and operations and head of the city water agency, said a 10% reduction of the city’s water supply is anticipated this year. Hagler said residents should adopt the conservation measures as a way of life for the foreseeable future.

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Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

For more information on water conservation, visit www.nuprana.com