Proposed pool moratorium sinks as City Council enacts new drought measures, fines

As the City Council considered implementing new drought measures this week, one member threw out a suggestion: a moratorium on the construction of new swimming pools.

The council has the power to create such a moratorium, but the idea quickly died on the dais when none of the other council members would support it. During a council meeting on Tuesday, Councilwoman Paula Devine shared the idea, which she said was pitched to her by a resident.

Mayor Zareh Sinanyan said he couldn’t support a moratorium on building new pools, despite the drought, and such a proposal would require support from the mayor and one other council member to get it on the agenda.

However, the council did limit outdoor irrigation to 10 minutes three times a week — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The move comes after the State Water Resources Control Board adopted emergency water-conservation regulations last month.

The irrigation restrictions are known as phase two of the city’s mandatory water-conservation rules. Phase one, which bans water waste such as washing hardscapes, was already in effect, said Glendale Water & Power General Manager Steve Zurn.

Those who don’t follow the conservation regulations may be fined. Fines range from $100 to $500, according to a city report.