City of Pomona, Stage 2 Water Shortage Contingency Plan

As the City of Pomona faces the ongoing challenges of drought, we are currently in Stage 2 of our Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Our collective efforts to conserve water are crucial in mitigating the impacts of this severe situation. Below, we have outlined important details and resources to help you understand the significance of Stage 2 and how we can collaborate to achieve the targeted 20% reduction in water usage compared to 2020 levels.

Key Measures:

Level 2 Watering Schedule: As part of the contingency plan, the City has implemented a two-day outdoor watering schedule. This measure ensures that water usage for outdoor purposes is carefully managed and controlled.

Key Timeline:

• March 28, 2022: Governor Newsome issued an Executive Order mandating a 20% reduction in overall water usage compared to 2020 levels for all water suppliers in the state.
• May 24, 2022: The State Water Resources Control Board adopted emergency regulations to address the water crisis, with the emergency regulations taking effect on June 10, 2022.
• Actions Taken: To promote water conservation, commercial, industrial, and institutional decorative grass irrigation has been restricted. Moreover, a conscious approach to watering trees, avoiding over-watering, is encouraged to ensure efficient water usage.
• Mandatory Measures: All urban water suppliers are required to implement Level 2 demand reduction actions in their respective water shortage contingency plans, with limited exceptions.
• June 6, 2022: The City of Pomona's Water Shortage Contingency Plan Stage 2 is now in effect, necessitating increased efforts from residents and businesses to conserve water.
• Statewide Impact: These drought conditions have led to statewide water restrictions for all Californians. For more detailed information, we encourage you to refer to the State Water Resources Control Board flyer.

As we navigate this critical situation together, it is essential for everyone to be mindful of their water usage and play an active role in conserving this valuable resource. By working collaboratively, we can make a significant difference and overcome the challenges posed by this drought.

• Choose climate appropriate and drought-resistant trees and plants. Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Check sprinkler systems frequently and adjust sprinklers so only the lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid unnecessary overspray.
• Install a more-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Adjust irrigation controllers, seasonally.
• Water more frequently in shorter schedules to create healthier and stronger landscapes and reduce overspray and run-off.
• Put 2-4 inches of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weed growth.
• Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and patios. Do not use a hose to wash down.
• Wash cars/boats with a bucket, sponge, and a hose with a self-closing nozzle.

Indoor Tips:

• Use the washing machine for full loads only to save water and energy.
• Purchase a qualifying high efficiency clothes washer and receive a $150 rebate.
• Run the dishwasher only when full to save water and energy.
• Install a water and energy efficient dishwasher.
• Install aerators on the kitchen faucet to reduce flows to less than 1 gallon per minute.
• Install high efficiency shower heads.
• Take five minute showers instead of 10 minute showers.
• Fill the bathtub halfway or less.
• Install a high-efficiency toilet.
• Install aerators on bathroom faucets.
• Turn water off when brushing teeth or shaving.Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket.

Spruce up your Sprinkler System and Save

Winter takes a toll on your yard, and while your plants go dormant to survive the cold, your sprinkler system is also affected. Winter can cause cracks in pipes, leading to costly leaks, and broken sprinkler heads can waste water and money. In fact, during the six-month irrigation season, you could lose up to 25,000 gallons of water, costing you over $90, which is equivalent to about 300 daffodil bulbs!The ideal time to address these issues is now, before you increase your watering efforts in the upcoming spring and summer months. To get started, follow these four simple steps: inspect, connect, direct, and select:

1. Inspect: Take a look at your system for any clogged, broken, or missing sprinkler heads. If you're not comfortable fixing it yourself, consider hiring a certified irrigation professional from a WaterSense labeled program.
2. Connect: Examine the points where your sprinkler heads connect to pipes or hoses. If you notice water pooling in your landscape or significant wet areas, there might be a leak in your system. Even a tiny leak, like the size of a ballpoint pen tip (1/32nd of an inch), can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month.
3. Direct: Ensure that your sprinklers are watering your lawn or prized plants and not wastefully spraying the driveway, house, or sidewalk. Adjust and redirect your sprinklers as needed.
4. Select: A poorly scheduled irrigation controller can lead to substantial water and money wastage. Update your system's schedule based on the seasons, or opt for a WaterSense labeled controller, which takes the guesswork out of scheduling.

Don't overlook adding "sprinkler spruce-up" to your spring cleaning checklist this year. For more tips on maintaining a water-smart yard, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense website.

Every Drop Counts!

What is WaterSense?

WaterSense, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a great partnership program that simplifies water conservation. It serves as both a label for water-efficient products and a valuable resource for water-saving tips.

What dies WaterSense do?

The WaterSense label provides consumers with an easy way to identify water-efficient products, new homes, and programs that meet the EPA's rigorous criteria for efficiency and performance.

These labeled products use at least 20 percent less water while performing on par with or even better than standard models. In addition, WaterSense collaborates with landscape irrigation professionals certified by labeled programs, emphasizing water efficiency.

Why Promote Water Efficiency?  

Water efficiency is a pressing concern in the United States, with water managers in at least 36 states anticipating local, statewide, or regional water shortages in the near future. By promoting water efficiency, we not only address this concern but also save energy, money on utility bills, and improve the quality of our national water resources.

How Can I Get Involved? 

Getting involved in water conservation is simple. WaterSense labeled products come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and price points, making it convenient to make sustainable choices without drastically changing our lifestyles. By selecting products with the WaterSense label, you become an active participant in preserving water for future generations.

The benefits of water efficiency extend to everyone:

• Consumers can reduce their water bills by up to 30 percent by using WaterSense labeled products and other water-efficient appliances.
• Manufacturers can set themselves apart in the market by offering products that bear the WaterSense label, showcasing high performance while conserving water.
• Businesses can enhance the marketability of the water-efficient products they sell and cut operating costs by adopting water-efficient best management practices.
• Builders can collaborate with WaterSense to construct homes that use less water both indoors and outdoors, contributing to sustainable communities.

 Call to Action Look

• Every small action counts towards a more water-wise world! For a comprehensive list of WaterSense labeled products, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.

• To learn more about how to save water and money Test your WaterSense and learn about water use in your home detect and Chase Down Leaks

• Take the 10-minute WaterSense challenge! for more information take a look at the Detect and Chase Down Leaks Checklist.

Rebates and Incentives

• Be WaterWise
• The Metropolitan Water District 

"Water is Life"

Calling all students in Grades K-12 from schools within the City of Pomona! We invite you to participate in an exciting art poster competition focused on showcasing various aspects of water use, efficient water usage, and water conservation. Your creative posters can explore the following recommended topics:

• Water use at School
• Water's impact on the Environment
• Water usage in agriculture
• Water conservation in business and industry
• Water in recreation activities
• Promoting the use of drought-tolerant plants
• Highlighting efficient irrigation systems

To participate or obtain more information, please reach out to Melissa Cansino, our dedicated Water Conservation Specialist, at 909-620-2236 or via email at Melissa.Cansino@pomonaca.gov

Educational Resources 

California Regional Environment Community (CREEC) Network

Metropolitan Water District

Water Education Materials for Educator 

Melissa Cansino (Water Conservation Specialist)

(909) 620 - 2251| melissa.cansino@pomonaca.gov