Q & A : Making Sense Out of L.A.’s Water Rationing Plan

Thousands of Los Angeles residents have called the city Department of Water and Power since the City Council passed a mandatory water conservation measure on Feb. 19. The following are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers about the measure, which goes into effect today . Q: What does “mandatory water conservation” mean to me?

A: Starting today, Los Angeles’ 3.5 million residents are required to reduce their water use by 10% from the 1986 base year. On May 1, all DWP customers will be required to reduce their water use by another 5%. However, businesses that use water for processing (bottling companies, laundries, plating companies, etc.) will stay at the 10% rationing level.

Q: What if I wasn’t living at my present residence in 1986?

A: You will be given an allotment based on the water used by the resident of your dwelling in 1986.

Q: If my house was built after 1986, what will my allotment be?

A: You will be allocated a base of 3,600 cubic feet of water per billing period, which is the overall average use of residential customers.

Q: Why is my “allowed water use” different from one billing period to the next?

A: Your allotment is based on the corresponding 1986 billing period. Consequently, it is likely to fluctuate because of seasonal use patterns.

Q: How will I know if I am conserving?

A: A message will be printed at the top of your bill telling you how well you did. If you stayed within your allotment, a congratulatory message will be printed. If you exceeded your allotment, the amount of excess use will be printed.

Q: Can I appeal my allotment now?

A: No. There is nothing to appeal until you have violated the ordinance.

Q: How do I appeal my allotment?

A: At your request, the DWP will mail you an appeal form. You will need to complete the form, sign it, and return it to the DWP as soon as possible. You will be notified of the outcome by return mail before your next bill is rendered. Except for certain isolated cases, it will not be necessary to submit any supporting documentation with your appeal. However, filing a fraudulent appeal may result in fines and/or six months in jail.

Q: What are the primary considerations in evaluating an appeal?

A: Circumstances different from the base year. For example, increased occupancy of your household, additional landscaping, etc. Businesses will need to document increases in production, number of customers, etc.

Q: What are the penalties for overuse?

A: $3 per 100 cubic feet (748 gallons) in excess of your allotment, plus 15% of your water bill for the first violation.

$3 per 100 cubic feet in excess of your allotment, plus 25% of your water bill for the second violation.

$4 per 100 cubic feet in excess of your allotment, plus 75% of your water bill for the third and subsequent violations.

The DWP may also install a flow restrictor or terminate the service of flagrant violators.

Q: Will a 10% or 15% cutback cause drastic change in my lifestyle?

A: Cutbacks of this magnitude do not require a major change in anyone’s lifestyle. You should be able to meet your reduction goal by installing the low-flow devices recommended by the DWP and becoming “water aware.” For example, wash only full loads of clothes or dishes; turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving; take shorter showers; deep-water your lawn occasionally instead of more frequent lighter applications.

Q: Will I be paying more for using less?

A: Yes. However, if you are successful in staying within your allotment, you will be saving money. For example, a single-family residential customer achieving a 10% reduction will save more than $4. The same family, if it fails to cut consumption 10%, will see a $22 increase in its water bill.

Q: I need to drain my pool to perform some maintenance. Will I be able to refill it?

A: You may drain and refill a pool if doing so does not exceed your allotment, or if you can document that doing so is in the interest of water conservation or public health and safety.

Q: Can I put in a new lawn during mandatory water conservation?

A: Yes. However, the city is encouraging everyone to delay such projects if possible.

Q: As a landlord, how can I control my tenants’ use of water?

A: Install various low-flow devices and perform periodic inspections of the apartments to check for leaks. Create an incentive program to reward the tenants for staying within the building’s allotment. You are able to pass on to the tenants 50% of any monetary penalties incurred.

Q: As a landlord, can I simply close the laundry facilities in my apartment building to achieve the desired level of conservation?

A: No. The rent-stabilization ordinance prohibits closing existing laundry facilities in an apartment building.

Source: Department of Water and Power