SANTA ANA, Calif. — The Santa Ana City Council approved reduction actions for a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage on June 7, 2022, asking all Santa Ana residents to lower their water use by following water conservation practices and for businesses to improve their water use processes. While there is no current water supply emergency for Santa Ana, the resolution was adopted to comply with the State’s requirements and help protect future water supplies.
Governor Newsom asked for a voluntary 15 percent reduction in water use statewide after deepening drought conditions put California in a state of emergency last year. He later issued an executive order urging water agencies to “take more aggressive actions” and increase enforcement to prevent wasteful water use. In response, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted an emergency water conservation regulation requiring all urban water suppliers to implement response actions identified in their Water Shortage Contingency Plans for a Level 2 water shortage.
Since more than 50% of all water used is attributed to irrigation, Santa Ana has adopted water conservation requirements that primarily target outdoor use, including:
- Outdoor watering limited to no more than two days per week and only between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Leaks must be repaired within 48 hours of notification by the City.
- No washing down sidewalks or driveways.
- No excessive water flow or runoff that causes water to flow onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch.
- No washing vehicles with a hose, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
- No operating a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is part of a recirculating system.
- No outdoor watering during and 48 hours following measurable rainfall.
- Restaurants and other food service establishments can only serve water to customers on request.
- Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of not having towels and linens laundered daily.
For a detailed list of the revised water conservation requirements and for updates on the drought, residents can visit www.santa-ana.org/water-conservation/.
Residents can also go online to find simple ways to save water, sustainable landscape and gardening tips, rebates and incentives, and more. For questions, contact the Water Resources Division by phone at (714) 647-3520 or email conservation@santa-ana.org.
The City of Santa Ana will soon release its 2021 Water Quality Report, also known as the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), where residents can read important information about the drought and additional water conservation tips as well as the quality of their drinking water. Visit SantaAnaCCR.org to view and download the entire report after July 1. To request a printed copy, call 714-647-3320 or email info@SantaAnaCCR.org.