| | | Water Conservation  | It's time to get serious
about saving water.
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The City of Thousand Oaks asks you to conserve water usage inside and outside your home.
Southern Californians need to recognize that they live in an arid region and that growing demands for water require all water users to efficiently use this resource. Recent record dry weather has dramatically decreased runoff from the Sierra Nevada snowpack which is where our water originates. As well, environmental concerns in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are restricting the ability to transport water.
On August 1, 2009, Level 1 of the new Water Conservation Ordinance, declared by City Council, went into effect. Besides permanent measures already in place, it limits the ability to water daily to three times a week (twice a week from November through March). View the City's Conservation Public Service Announcement.
To report excessive water use please call the City Water Conservation Hotline: (805) 375-5747 or click here.
We simply must reduce our water usage. Here's how you save water:
Indoor |  | -
Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. Save 3 gallons a day. -
Shorten your showers by one or two minutes and save up to 5 gallons. -
Save 20 gallons a day for every leak you fix. -
Save between 15 and 50 gallons each time by only washing full loads of laundry. -
Talk to your family and friends about saving water. If everyone does a little, we all benefit a lot. Outdoor
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*Water your yard only before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to reduce evaporation and interference from wind. Save up to 25 gallons a day. -
Save 40 gallons a day by installing a smart sprinkler controller. -
Mulch! Save hundreds of gallons a year by using organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation. -
*Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. You'll save 150 gallons each time. -
*Check your sprinkler system for leaks, overspray, and broken sprinkler heads, and save 500 gallons a month.
*Mandatory by City Ordinance No. 1516-NS
How much water do you use?
Click on Water Use Calculator to calculate your daily water usage.
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Click here for more info. |
iPhone Tips. Visit http://waterprint.net for water conservation tips and download FREE to your iPhone.
Are you considering re-using your laundry water for irrigation? Visit Graywater for information.
Track your water usage.
If you're a City of Thousand Oaks water customer, click here to view your water consumption history for the past three years.
For additional information about Thousand Oaks water quality and how to read your water meter, click here.Frequently Asked Questions regarding Water Conservation in Thousand Oaks:
1) Why all the current 'buzz' about Water Conservation?
Southern Californians must remember that they live in an arid region with growing demands for water requiring all water users to efficiently use this resource. Recent record dry weather has dramatically decreased runoff from the Sierra Nevada snowpack which is where our water originates. In addition, environmental concerns in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are restricting the ability to transport water. As a result, we simply must reduce our water usage.
2) Why did the City of Thousand Oaks adopt a NEW Water Conservation Ordinance?
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is the wholesale water supplier for most of Southern California and has prepared an ordinance for all of their member agencies to adopt thereby establishing consistency in conserving water for millions of residents and businesses.
3) When did the City of Thousand Oaks NEW Water Conservation Ordinance take effect?
The NEW Water Conservation Ordinance took effect on June 5, 2009.
4) What is different about this NEW Water Conservation Ordinance?
The Ordinance introduces both permanent and temporary conservation measures. The permanent measures are always in effect and reflect more efficient use of water. The temporary measures are enacted during time of drought or diminished water supply.
5) What are the basics of the City of Thousand Oaks new permanent water conservation measures?
- Watering is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Watering duration is limited to no more than fifteen minutes per day per station
- No excessive water flow or runoff is permitted
- No washing down hard or paved surfaces
- Leaks, breaks or malfunctions must be fixed within 7 days of receiving notice
- Re-circulating water required for decorative water fountains and features
- Washing vehicles, other than at commercial car wash facilities, must be done with a self-closing shut off nozzle on the hose
- Drinking water in food establishments served only upon request
- Lodging establishments must provide guests options to decline daily linen services
- Single pass cooling systems may not be installed
- Non-re-circulating commercial car wash and laundry systems are prohibited in new systems. Effective 1/1/2010, ALL commercial conveyor car wash systems must have installed operational re-circulating water systems.
- Restaurants are required to use water conserving dish wash spray valves
6) Is this all there is to the new Water Conservation Ordinance?
In addition to the permanent mandatory measures, there are three increasingly restrictive levels. By resolution, the City Council can declare a particular level based on water supply.
7) What happens if Level 1 is declared?
Level 1, in fact all levels, expand upon the basic permanent measures. For example, watering days will be limited to three times a week and during November through March twice a week; leaks will need to be fixed within 72 hours of notification.
Level 2 limits watering days to twice weekly and once weekly during November through March; leaks will need to be fixed within 48 hours of notification. Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds with potable water is prohibited except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life of significant value. Re-filling of more than one foot and initial filling of residential swimming pools or outdoor spas with potable water is prohibited.
Level 3, also referred to as an "Emergency" condition, prohibits all watering (health & safety exceptions listed in Ordinance); leaks will need to be fixed within 24 hours of notification. The City may discontinue water service to those who willfully violate provisions of Level 3.
8) Why is Level 1 in effect?
Calleguas Metropolitan Water District, the regional wholesaler of Thousand Oaks water, has established a water supply allocation program mandated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The City has to reduce its water usage by 15%; otherwise, it may pay a $4 million penalty!
9) What two days of the week may I water?
The two days of the week are not specified; we're confident that residents and business owners will do the right thing.
10) Does the Water Conservation Ordinance have anything to do with my monthly water consumption?
No, the Ordinance is not based on consumption; it requires common sense measures to save water.
11) How will this Ordinance be enforced?
The Ordinance will primarily be enforced through public outreach and education.
12) If I witness excessive water use, how do I go about reporting it?
Excessive water use can be reported to the homeowner, HOA, or business owner.
A City Water Hotline -- (805) 375-5747 – is available to report any excessive water use.
13) Who can I contact if I have questions about the Water Conservation Ordinance?
For specific questions about the Ordinance or water conservation programs click here or contact the City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department at (805) 449-2400.
Following is a list of nurseries that carry drought tolerant plants:
- Nordic Nursery, Newbury Park
- Bamboo Pipeline, Camarillo
- Baron Brothers, Camarillo
- Nature's Best, Camarillo
- Elegant Garden Nursery, Moorpark
- Performance Nursery, Moorpark
- Nopalito Native Plant Nursery, Ventura
| Interested in making compost for your garden? Watch Breaking it Down With Doctor Compost. Interested in a FREE water conservation survey?
Call (805) 449-2500 or click here to request City assistance.
For information on rebates of water using devices call (888) 376-3314.
Visit bewaterwise.com for additional water conservation information.
Watch a video on water conservation tips.
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