Shafter Municipal Code Art. I Water Use

A. The following activities or measures are in effect at all times:

1. It is unlawful for any person to allow the escape of water through breaks or leaks within the water user's plumbing or distribution system for any substantial period of time in which such break or leak should reasonably have been discovered and corrected.

2. It is unlawful for any person to apply potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private walkways, roadways, parking lots, other hard-surface areas, or structures.

3. It is unlawful for any person to use a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle, boat, or airplane, except where the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device attached to it that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use.

4. It is unlawful for any person to use potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system.

5. It is unlawful for any person to apply potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within forty-eight (48) hours after measurable rainfall.

6. It is unlawful for any eating or drinking establishments, including, but not limited to, restaurants, hotels, cafes, cafeterias, bars, or other public places where food or drink are served and/or purchased, to serve drinking water other than upon request.

7. Operators of hotels and motels located in the city shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. Operators of hotels or motels shall prominently display notice of this option in each guestroom using clear and easily understood language.

8. During the months of April through September:

a. The irrigation of outdoor landscapes with potable water for parcels located north of Lerdo Highway shall be prohibited, except on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, between the hours of 12:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. through 12:00 a.m.

b. The irrigation of outdoor landscapes with potable water for parcels located south of Lerdo Highway shall be prohibited, except on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between the hours of 12:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. through 10:00 a.m.

c. It is unlawful to use potable water to irrigate outdoor landscapes on Mondays.

9. During the months of October through March:

a. The irrigation of outdoor landscapes with potable water for parcels located north of Lerdo Highway shall be prohibited, except on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

b. The irrigation of outdoor landscapes with potable water for parcels located south of Lerdo Highway shall be prohibited, except on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

c. It is unlawful to use potable water to irrigate outdoor landscapes on Mondays.

B. In the event of a water shortage declared by the adoption of a resolution of the city council, the following mandatory potable water use restrictions shall be in effect:

1. Except for demonstrable health and safety reasons, it is unlawful for any person to use potable water to wash a motor vehicle, boat, or airplane in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private walkways, roadways, parking lots, other hard-surface areas, or structures.

2. It is unlawful to use potable water to irrigate outdoor landscapes for parcels located north of Lerdo Highway, except on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, between the hours of 12:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. through 12:00 a.m.

3. It is unlawful to use potable water to irrigate outdoor landscapes for parcels located south of Lerdo Highway, except on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between the hours of 12:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.

C. In the event of a declared water shortage or water shortage emergency, the city council may, by resolution, adopt other temporary potable water use restrictions and conservation measures as conditions warrant or as ordered or directed by the state. Any temporary potable water use restrictions and conservation measures adopted by the city council shall remain in effect until the city council adopts a new resolution declaring the termination of the water shortage or water shortage emergency. Any violation of the temporary potable water use restrictions and conservation measures adopted by the city council shall be subject to the penalty provisions of section 8.40.020.

D. Provided a water customer minimizes water use and waste, the testing, repair and maintenance of irrigation system sprinklers and timers are allowed during otherwise restricted watering periods or a water shortage declared by the city council.

(Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1991: prior code § 4-3-1)

(Ord. No. 678, § 2, 1-19-2016)

A. Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be subject to citation by an authorized officer of the city.

B. Any person who uses, causes to be used, or permits the use of potable water in violation of this is article shall be subject to an administrative penalty in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1.12 of the City of Shafter Municipal Code. Notice and enforcement of any violation of this article, the right to request a hearing to contest the imposition of the penalty, and payment of the penalty shall be provided in accordance therewith.

C. A violation of any of this article may prosecuted as a misdemeanor subject to imprisonment in the county jail for not more than thirty days or by fine not to exceed $1,000, or by both, as provided in California Water Code section 377.

D. In addition to any other remedies provided in the City of Shafter Municipal Code or available under applicable law, the city can alternatively seek injunctive relief in the Superior Court or take enforcement action, including discontinuing or appropriately limiting water service to any customer through the installation of a mechanical device to restrict the rate of water flow to the residential or business premises found to be in violation of this article.

(Ord. 599 § 1, 2007; Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1991: prior code § 4-3-2)

(Ord. No. 678, § 3, 1-19-2016)