NEWPORT BEACH : City Eases Efforts at Water Conservation

The city is relaxing mandatory conservation efforts for local water customers and dropping--at least temporarily--penalties for excessive water use.

Changes approved by the council last week include a reduction in the current 20% rationing level to 10%. The reduction is based on a similar decision last month by the Metropolitan Water District to lower the rationing level.

City utility department officials cautioned that the drought is not over, and that residents and businesses should still voluntarily conserve water. They also said that rationing restrictions may be toughened again during the summer months.

“There is still a water shortage and the drought is not over,” according to a city report that was given to the City Council last week.

The report added that while heavy winter rains have helped the environment and local ground water basins, most of that rainwater is not used as a main water supply source.

The conservation change approved by the council urges residents to observe a voluntary rationing of 10% below regular use.

Previous restrictions on landscape and lawn-watering schedules are being lifted, along with penalties for excessive water use. Also, public showers at public beaches will be reactivated.