The Rules of Water Waste
The Rules of Water Waste
The following restrictions will help protect the District’s water supply from groundwater overdraft, seawater intrusion, and drought.
- No general water waste: Indiscriminate running of water or washing in a manner that is wasteful and without reasonable purpose is prohibited.
- No irrigation run-off: Adjust irrigation systems to prevent overspray and run-off.
- No sprinkler use between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.: Only watering mornings or evenings reduces water loss from evaporation and wind.
- No hosing down of hard or paved surface except when necessary for health and safety. Positive shut-off nozzle is required.
- Always use a positive shut-off hose nozzle for outdoor water use (free hose nozzles are available to District customers).
- Always repair irrigation system and plumbing leaks within 72 hours.
- Food service establishments may only serve drinking water upon customer request and must display notice of this policy. (Call to request free signs).
- Hospitality/ lodging establishments must give customers the option to forego daily laundering of linens and must display notice of this policy. (Call to request free signs).
- No watering during rainfall or for 48 hours following measurable rainfall.
Temporary Stage 3 Water Shortage Emergency rules
- No exterior washing of structures (unless necessary for sanitation and health or to prepare for paint or stain and a pressure washer is used).
- Car washing at home must be efficient. Use waterless spray, bucket and hose with automatic shut-off nozzle, or pressure washer. If possible, water should not run off of the property.
- Efficient car washes within our District
- Bay Avenue Self Serve Car Wash, 821 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
- AJ's Fuel and Car Wash, 5955 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA 95073
- Efficient car washes within our District
- Commercial customers must display "Save Water" signage (free signs are available)
Report Water Waste and Leaks
Please report water waste incidents the following ways:
- Email: savewater@soquelcreekwater.org
- Phone: (831)475-8500
- Mail or hand delivery: 5180 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA 95073
Please include the following if possible:
- Location (address and detailed description)
- Date and time of day
- Brief description of the problem/type of water waste
- Photo of the waste or leak occurring if possible
All water waste reports are confidential. We will investigate all non-emergency water waste reports as soon as possible during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8-5pm).
Are you reporting a water emergency?
If you see an actively gushing or spraying pipe or see a wet spot forming unexpectedly in the street or ground, this may be a water emergency. Call us immediately at 831-475-8500 to report the emergency. After business hours, you will reach our on-call phone dispatcher.
Please provide the staff member with a description of the emergency and the location.
Please contact District Staff at savewater@soquelcreekwater.org.