NEWPORT BEACH : Water-Rationing Ordinance Adopted

The City Council adopted an ordinance Monday that outlines a 10-step water-rationing plan that could ultimately cut water use by 50%, but delayed enacting parts of the measure because of successful conservation efforts by consumers.

City Utilities Director Bob Dixon said a stricter water conservation ordinance is not immediately necessary because water customers cut consumption by 32% in the past year.

“That’s a remarkable achievement,” he said, noting that customers were asked to cut back only 20% of the amount used from June, 1989, to July, 1990.

Although the latest plan, which restricts water use in increments of 5% up to 50%, will not be effective immediately, six other “permanent” limitations outlined in the ordinance were enacted by the council Monday.