The Rules of Water Waste

Report 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. (Free table tent signs are available at the front desk).
  • Hospitality/ lodging establishments must give customers the option to forego daily laundering of linens and must display notice of this policy. (Free signs are available at the front desk).
  • 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
  • Commercial customers must display "Save Water" signage (free signs are available)

How to report water waste: You can e-mail the description of the waste, time, date(s), location (address and detailed description) and if applicable, a photo of the waste. Information can also be provided by phone (call 831.475.8501x146), mailed or delivered to 5180 Soquel Dr. Soquel, CA 95073.

  1. The District will contact the responsible party as soon as possible by phone, mail, or in person to issue a water waste warning. This initial contact is a reminder about the rules. Most people are very willing to correct the issue reported and thank us for bringing it to their attention.
  2. If the problem is not corrected within the time frame specified by District staff, a second written warning can be issued.
  3. If the waste is not corrected within 48 hours of the second warning, the District may shut off water service.
  4. Once the water has been shut off, the customer then has to pay a reestablishment fee of $40. If it's after business hours there's an additional $60 charge.

Signed copy of Ordinance 14-01

Please contact District Staff at savewater@soquelcreekwater.org.