The City of Ripon could be taking a harder stance on water conservation.
On Tuesday, the Ripon City Council will look at mandatory measures which, in turn, would prohibit folks from excessively using and wasting water during this drought.
Earlier this year, Gov. Jerry Brown requested that all Californian reduce their water usage by 20 percent.
Ripon has done just that with a water conservation plan that kicked off in June.
However, the Water Board Resource Control Board adopted an Emergency Water Conservation Regulations last month that called for water suppliers to implement mandatory water conservation measures.
Local officials, for their part, are expected to repeal a portion of their water conservation plan during the 7 p.m. open session in the Council Chambers, 259 N. Wilma Ave.
Included will be the following:
• Prohibit the use of water to wash driveways, sidewalks, patios, parking lots, aprons, and other exterior surfaces except for sanitation, public health and safety, and fire protection services.
• The use of water for rinsing off vehicles, boats, and recreational vehicles can only be done with use of an automatic shut-off nozzle on the hose.
• Those living within the city limits with even number addresses are allowed to water landscaping on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday between the hours of 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.
• Those living within the city limits with odd number addresses can water landscaping on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.
• All water leaks, breaks or malfunctions within a water users plumbing, distribution or irrigation system will require repair within 24 hours from time it was discovered.
• Draining and refilling of pools, spas and ponds can only be allowed for health, maintenance, or structural considerations, but only after approval by the Public Works Director Ted Johnston.
The penalties will remain the same – first violation within one-year period is $25, second violation within the same span is $50, third violation during one-year period is $100, and any additional violation after that one-year period is $200.
For more information, call Ripon City Hall at 209.559.2103 or log on to www.cityofripon.org.
