Water restrictions on tap

Water supplies are drying up, and the Laguna Beach County Water District has floated a plan to keep city taps flowing without waste — or pay the price.

A handful of residents responded to a district invitation to attend a hearing Tuesday on a proposed ordinance that will affect every customer in Laguna — providing for conservation that ranges from voluntary reductions in water use to three levels of mandatory rationing and enforcement.

“The goal is to optimize efficiency even when there is no water shortage,” Assistant General Manager Christopher Regan said.

All of Laguna’s water is imported, and supplies depend on the Metropolitan Water District — sometimes called the Mighty Met — which controls both quantity and wholesale rate increases that are reflected in the rates charged by the district.

The quantity allocated to Laguna is decreasing — and the rates are increasing.

“Traditionally we have bought between 4,400 and 4,500 acre-feet of water annually from Metropolitan Water,” said Renae Hinchey. “This year we are being limited to 4,000 acre-feet.

“If we buy in excess of that, the cost per acre-foot of water goes up from $709 to $1,889. We have to find ways to reduce use voluntarily and by legal means, if necessary.”

Reduced water use will help offset an expected rate increase, made imperative by the 19.7% increase imposed on the district by Metropolitan, which will start July 1, Hinchey said.

“But this is not about money, it is about water,” Commissioner Debbie Neev said.

The proposed ordinance provides the district with the tools to respond directly to escalating shortages.

“As supplies dwindle, we can implement restrictions to get customers to cut back,” Regan said.

There will be different restrictions for commercial properties and construction, Regan said.

The proposed ordinance also allows the district to step up restrictions, if voluntary reductions are insufficient to offset shortages.

 “Water Alert:” a 15% to 30% reduction in water use

Yard watering will be allowed only three days a week. Leaks would have to be fixed in two days. Water allotments could be adjusted.

Restaurants would be obliged to serve water only on request. Hotels guests will be asked if they want their linens changed daily, a “no” would save laundering.

Both could be bumped up to the permanent mandates upon further commission review.