Pleasanton Declares Stage Three of Water Shortage Planning

The Pleasanton City Council declared Stage Three of water shortage planning at its meeting this evening, based upon on the recent news that water wholesaler Zone 7 can only provide 75% of the treated water necessary to meet the city’s water needs. 

In his presentation to the City Council, Daniel Smith, the City’s Director of Operations Services, said that the adoption of Stage Three Water Shortage Planning will include the dissemination of information to residents and businesses so that they can fully understand what is required to meet the mandate. Stage Three mandates that Pleasanton water customers reduce their potable water use by 25%.  This can be achieved by reducing indoor water usage by 10% and outdoor water usage by 40% to meet an overall city reduction of 25%.

In addition, all lawn and landscape irrigation is limited to no more than two days per week. Outdoor watering that result in water runoff will also be prohibited, as will the hosing down of driveways, sidewalks, or other hardscape. Customers will also be fined for excessive water use during the period of Stage Three Water Shortage with penalties compounded for subsequent excessive use. 

“Our goal is to educate the community regarding conservation and to encourage compliance with the 25% mandate so that we have adequate water supplies throughout the summer and fall timeframe,” said Smith. “As such, our primary focus will be to first and foremost seek compliance and collaboration, not the implementation of fines and/or penalties. This is a community issue that requires everyone’s cooperation.”

The City Council also proclaimed a Local Drought Emergency to provide necessary flexibility to situations regarding fire safety, water availability for fire service, and quicker access to supplies or resources during the dry summer months, as well as the authorization to collaborate with other local agencies on critical drought issues.

The final drought-related item of the evening led to an amendment to the Municipal Code that would prohibit outdoor irrigation when it is raining.

Water customers are encouraged to review water use in and around their homes and businesses to detect and eliminate wasteful water loss, as well as implement water-efficient habits. Information about water saving strategies is available at www.pleasantonwaterconservation.com, and by calling the City’s Water Conservation Hotline at (925) 931-5504.

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--Information submitted by City of Pleasanton