CAMARILLO : Residents Reduce Use of Water 11%

Camarillo residents cut water consumption by 11% during May and June, but overall water use rose 5% in the 1989 fiscal year that ended June 30.

Residents began to use less water after the City Council adopted a conservation ordinance in April that makes it illegal to hose down sidewalks or wash automobiles with hoses that do not contain automatic shut-off valves. The ordinance also prohibits lawn watering between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

During May and June, the Camarillo Water Department pumped 489 million gallons of water, compared to 538 million gallons during the same time last year, producing a savings of 49 million gallons, Elwell said.

“This shows that people are very aware of the water shortage and have begun to reduce wasteful practices,” said John Elwell, city director of community services.

Since the ordinance was adopted, the city has issued 282 citations. Of those, four were to second-time offenders, who were fined 50% of their most recent water bills, Elwell said. The remaining 278 citations were warning notices.

To encourage people to save even more water, the council has decided to bill customers monthly and introduce a tiered pricing system.

Starting Oct. 1, customers who reduce water use by 10% will notice no change in their monthly rate, said Anita Bingham, city finance director. Those who use more than the average 11,968 gallons a month will pay more depending on how much water they use, she said.

The average water bill, which is sent every two months, is $34.40, Elwell said.