New mandatory outdoor watering times now in effect

One of San Diego’s permanent water-waste restrictions enacted in the wake of recent drought conditions, the times that outdoor watering is allowed, changed on June 1.

All irrigation and hand watering must now occur before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. June 1 through the end of October to reduce evaporation during the warmer summer and fall seasons. Residents with automatic irrigation are encouraged to water in the very early hours of the morning. In an effort to continue long-term water waste reduction, the city also offers a number of tools and resources, including cash-back rebates for eligible customers.

“Residents, and city departments ... are continuing to eliminate water waste and we want to encourage that behavior year-round and especially during the region’s warmer months” Mayor Jerry Sanders said. “It wasn’t too long ago that we were dealing with water cutbacks and had to rethink our water-use behaviors. We must always remember the value of water, use it wisely and never waste it.”

City water customers can take advantage of free residential and commercial water surveys through the Public Utilities Department to pinpoint water-saving options at their homes or businesses, including identifying possible leaks. On average, an American home wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks. Also featured on the City’s website is a Landscape Watering Calculator

that can help customers determine the exact amount of water for their landscaping needs.

For a survey appointment and more information, call (619) 570-1999, e-mail water@sandiego.gov or visit

sandiego.gov/water/conservation

. For more information on the city’s permanent water-waste restrictions and a comprehensive listing of available conservation resources and tips, visit

wastenowater.org

or call the Public Utilities Department at (619) 515-3500.