Restrictions on Water Use Eased

Glendale residents will be allowed to use 10% more water in April over current restrictions as a result of increased state water supplies to the city.

Instead of the 20% reduction in water use required for the past year, a resolution adopted Tuesday by the City Council permits residents to use up to 10% less water than the same period in 1989 without facing penalties.

In another month, city officials said, the program may revert to a voluntary plan in which no penalties for exceeding the 10% reduction will be imposed.

Basic conservation rules, however, will continue indefinitely because of a growing demand for water despite the state’s limited supply.

Prohibited activities include washing down driveways and sidewalks, watering lawns between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., running non-recirculating fountains and failing to repair leaks.

More than 7,500 appeals have been filed since the city imposed conservation rules two years ago, said Valerie Apmadoc, conservation services supervisor.

Most cite the need for more water because of new construction, remodeling or larger families. About 70% of the appeals have been processed, most of them granted, she said.

While record storms have ended a five-year drought, city officials said more measures are needed, including building reservoirs to capture rain runoff.