BUENA PARK : City Lifts Water-Use Law, Ends Penalties

Residents will no longer be forced to cut back on water usage after the City Council decided this week to lift its mandatory water-reduction plan.

Staff members suggested easing up on the restrictions after water users successfully curbed consumption during the last few months. Since June, monthly water use has declined as much as 18%, officials said.

“In light of the significant effort and commitment of our community, we are recommending the return to Phase I (voluntary) guidelines,” said Paul DePietro, administrative analyst.

The council, with Councilwoman Donna L. Chessen absent, unanimously agreed to reverse the 6-month-old ordinance and make conservation voluntary once again.

Under the plan adopted Monday, water users are asked to reduce their consumption. Penalties are now a thing of the past. All single-family residences are asked to use fewer than than 625 gallons a day, and apartment dwellers are asked to use fewer than 325 gallons a day. The city’s overall goal is to reduce water consumption by 15%.

However, several uses considered wasteful--such as using water in decorative fountains--are still prohibited.

“This is very good news,” said Mayor Don R. Griffin after hearing the water figures. “Our community has responded to our request.”

In June, the council adopted the mandatory plan in response to the drought and cutbacks imposed by the Metropolitan Water District. All water customers were required to stay within set guidelines or face stiff penalties.

Since the ordinance went into effect, usage has consistently been lower then last year’s totals. This trend is expected to continue even though the plan adopted Monday is voluntary, officials said.