OXNARD : Water-Wasting Ban Gets Initial OK

The Oxnard City Council gave first-round approval Tuesday to a water conservation ordinance that would ban water-wasting practices such as hosing off driveways and would impose fines and cutoffs for repeat violators.

The vote was unanimous. A second reading and vote on the ordinance is scheduled for sometime next month, and it would take effect 30 days after that.

Although Oxnard is hooked into to the State Water Project, city officials said the ordinance will help avoid future shortages.

The ordinance would also prohibit the following: watering lawns between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., allowing water to run onto streets and sidewalks, and serving water at restaurants unless requested by a customer. It bans carwashes that do not recycle water, decorative fountains that do not recycle, and broken or damaged water fixtures that are not repaired promptly.

Violators will be warned on their first offense. A second offense within 12 months will result in a fine equal to 25% of the most recent utility bill or $25, whichever is higher. A third offense within 12 months would result in a fine equal to 50% of the most recent bill or $50, whichever is higher.

If a fourth violation occurs, the city will install a water restriction device on the violator’s line.

If a customer violates the ordinance more than four times within 12 months, the city will cut off water service.

The ordinance is patterned after one adopted in Camarillo in May.