Simi Valley Considers Further Water Restrictions

In the wake of mandatory 10% cutbacks imposed by the city’s main water supplier and additional cuts scheduled next month, the city of Simi Valley is considering imposing new restrictions on water use for residents and businesses.

The City Council, which recently adjusted its water rates to penalize excessive users, next week will consider imposing restrictions that prohibit hosing down driveways or other paved surfaces, the serving of water at restaurants unless requested and watering lawns between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The ordinance would not apply to commercial nurseries, golf courses and other water-dependent industries. These businesses, however, may be required to use more efficient irrigation systems.

Penalties include a written warning for the first violation and a possible $100 fine for the second offense, Public Works Director Ron Coons said. Fines for subsequent violations will be higher, Coons said.

Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks receive all of their water through agencies supplied by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The district, which provides water to 450,000 residents in Ventura County, last month imposed 10% cuts on residential and industrial use and 30% reductions on agricultural use. Those cuts will be increased to 20% for cities and 30% to 50% for growers, effective March 1.

“What we’re doing is looking for ways to prohibit the wastage of water,” Coons said. “The drought situation has gotten worse, and MWD is strongly recommending that we take more action other than just looking for voluntary compliance.”

The council adjusted its water rates last month in response to the MWD’s mandatory 10% cutbacks, but the household quota of 624 gallons a day is far higher than the quotas in other Ventura County cities.

If approved by the City Council, the new mandatory water restrictions will become effective in 30 days, Coons said.

Mayor Greg Stratton said he does not expect the city to issue many fines. He said the proposed restrictions are aimed more at increasing the public’s awareness of the severity of the drought.

“People are pretty smart, these are not things they do anyway,” he said. “Most of the (restrictions) are just common sense. Nothing in there is a surprise.”

But as the drought worsens, Stratton and Coons warned that more stringent measures may be imposed.

Stratton said the city’s water rates could be adjusted again and that restrictions on new construction also are possible.

“I think we have to look at” limiting new construction, he said. “People will say, ‘How can you ask me to cut back 20% when you’re allowing more development to occur.’ ”

Thousand Oaks earlier this month passed a resolution establishing water restrictions similar to those being considered by Simi Valley. Thousand Oaks, however, will not begin issuing fines to violators until next month.

First-time offenders will receive a warning, city officials said. A second violation will draw a $25 fine and a third $50. Subsequent violations will result in fines of $100.