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1. Why is there a drought?

Blame it on below-average precipitation and snowpacks. The drought has placed an incredible strain on water resources, including the five water districts that serve Temple City.
California’s drought is now in its fourth straight year. In response, California Governor Jerry Brown has called for a mandatory statewide 25% reduction in water use. This daunting task will require everyone to conserve water.

2. What are the statewide water restrictions?

• No watering lawns or landscapes for 48 hours after rainfall.
• No using water to wash hardscapes like sidewalks and driveways — except for health and safety reasons.
• No sprinkler runoff or overspray onto streets, sidewalks or driveways.
• No washing a vehicle with a hose without a shut-off nozzle. Tip: Going to a car wash that uses recycled or reclaimed water is an even smarter choice.
• No using fountains or decorative water features that do not recycle water.

3. Are there additional local restrictions?

Yes. Temple City’s five water providers have imposed additional restrictions on pool water evaporation and filling, as well as when and how long your can water your lawn. Each district varies.

4. How long will restrictions last?

Statewide, restrictions will remain in effect through at least February 2016. Local water providers will continue to update customers on water conservation requirements as the drought continues. Check your water bill for details.

5. Will the new watering schedules kill my lawn?

Most grass varieties go dormant when watered infrequently. They don’t necessarily go dead. Cool-season grasses go dormant to protect themselves during long, hot periods when they do not have enough water to remain in an active growth phase. Warm-season grasses go dormant in cold weather, when they die back naturally.

In both cases, the grasses' crowns remain alive and, in hot situations, water may revive the grasses. It is possible, however, for weather to get so hot that no amount of water helps. This is a special concern in our arid environment. But don’t worry: Dormancy is a natural, built-in protection mechanism. Your grass probably will return when the weather cools in the fall.

6. Can I let my lawn go brown?

Until further notice, residents are allowed to let their lawn go brown without any code enforcement action, even if you’re in a homeowners association. Additionally, recent legislation prohibits local governments from penalizing residents who conserve water by not watering their lawns.

7. Should I continue to water other outdoor vegetation?

Yes. Continue watering your trees and shrubs to keep them alive. But make sure what you do is consistent with your water provider’s requirements.

8. What else can I do to cut landscaping and gardening water use?

One excellent option is drought tolerant landscaping. For more water saving gardening tips, visit www.saveourwater.com.

9. How much are the fines for watering on the wrong day or overwatering?

Water providers, not the city, have the authority to impose fines. Generally, fines will not be assessed before a warning letter is sent. So customers will have an opportunity to meet compliance requirements.

However, failure to do so could result in fines of up to $500 a day. Water providers can also shut off or restrict your water service.

10. I see my neighbors wasting water and not watering on the right days. How do I report them?

Contact the water provider that provides water service to that property. You can also call the City’s Code Enforcement Hotline at (626) 285-5240.

11. What if I’m already conserving?

If you’ve already made changes resulting in water savings —shorter showers, running full cycles of laundry, etc. — please accept out sincere thanks. However, if your usage is still high, monitor your home and water meter for leaks.

12. How likely am I to have a leak?

1 out of 10 homeowners has water leaks. Leaks can waste water — up to 90 gallons or more per day. This increases water bills by 10-15%. Some water providers offer water audits to show you where and how you can save. These audits are particularly valuable regarding outdoor water usage. Since 50-80% of all residential water is used outdoors for irrigation purposes, making fixes outdoors can have the greatest impact on the drought — and your bill!

13. How can I conserve more and qualify for available rebates?

Low flow toilets and turf replacements can make a huge difference in your water usage. Information about available programs and rebates, as well as more water saving tips, are available from your water provider.

14. What are some ways I can save water outdoors?

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas (saves 8-18 gallons per minute)

Use mulch to cover soil surfaces (saves 20-30 gallons per 1,000 square feet)

Adjust sprinklers to water plants, not the driveway or sidewalk (saves 12-15 gallons each time you water)

Water plants early in the morning (saves 25 gallons each time you water)

Install a "smart" sprinkler controller (saves 24+ gallons per day)

Install a drip irrigation system (saves 15 gallons each time you water)

15. What are some ways I can save water indoors?

Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving (saves 10 gallons per person per day)

Fix leaky toilets (saves 30-50 gallons per toilet per day)

Take 5 minute showers instead of 10 minute showers (saves 12.5 gallons per shower with an efficient shower head)

Fill the bathtub halfway up or less (saves 12 gallons per bath)

Wash only full loads of laundry (saves 15-45 gallons per load)

Run the dishwasher only when full (saves 5-15 gallons per load)

16. Is City Hall doing its part?

Yes. The City has:

• Completed landscape water audits of Temple City Park and Live Oak Park.
• Retrofitted plumbing fixtures at city facilities and Live Oak Park Community Center.
• Ceased watering of ornamental turf on public street medians and certain areas of city parks.
• Ceased outdoor irrigation during, and 48 hours following, measurable precipitation.
• Replaced park irrigation systems with new sprinklers for increased water efficiency.

Meanwhile, the City is actively seeking funding for continued water efficient upgrades, What’s more, it was recently granted the Water Smart City Award, which recognizes the City’s commitment to reduce water consumption at city facilities, to adopt city policies for further water conservation, and to publicize available water conservation programs to its nearly 38,000 residents.