Help the District Maintain our new 20% in 2020 Water Conservation Standard

The State of California’s Water Conservation Act of 2009 required water agencies to reduce water consumption 20% by 2020. The North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) proudly announced on May 13, 2021 that the District has achieved its 20% by 2020 water conservation goal. Although this is a significant milestone, the NTPUD believes that California’s water is a critical resource and we will continue to foster a culture of water conservation throughout the District to maintain this new standard of reduced water use.

As of May 13, 2020 the District’s Stage 2 water conservation measures will remain in effect.

Water Conservation Regulations

CURRENT Reduction Measures (Stage 2)

  • Outdoor irrigation schedule
    • EVEN addresses: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
    • ODD addresses: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday
    • NO watering on Saturday
  • Water may not be applied to hard surfaces (i.e. asphalt driveways), except for pavement resurfacing/sealing or public health/safety reasons
  • Visitor accommodations may only wash linens upon request. A placard or notice shall be placed in each guest room.
  • All public entities, hotels, motels, restaurants, and other visitor-serving facilities shall prominently display informational materials, placards, or decals provided by the District

CONTINUED Reduction Measures (Stage 1)

  • Leaks must be repaired when found or within 10 days of District notification of leak. 
Note: The District will notify property owners following water meter reads if there is an unusually high reading.
  • Irrigation, runoff, or flooding onto hard surfaces or any non-irrigated areas is prohibited
  • Automatic shut off valves or nozzles are required on all hoses.
 Note: Free hose nozzles available at the District office.
  • Irrigation must be winterized by Nov. 1 of every year
  • Landscaping may not be irrigated:
    • Between the hours of 9am – 6pm
    • During, or within 48 hours after, measurable precipitation
    • When the air temperature is less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit

The District always operates at a Stage 1 level, which includes basic good practices and helps prevent waste. The Stage 2 regulations include conservation measures and use requirements to help the District meet the 20 percent reduction goal. View the full list of regulations for each stage. Learn more about water conservation methods.

20% by 2020

The 20% by 2020 state mandate requires all water purveyors reduce their per capita water use by 20% from a baseline calculated by averaging customer usage over 10 years in the early 2000s and accounting for water leaks. In addition to customer water conservation efforts, the District’s waterline replacement and water leak detection/repair projects will also help to bring the District into compliance.

Read the full text of the District Water Conservation Regulation (PDF)

Water Conservation Regulations & Restrictions Details

Background

Adoption of the District’s Water Ordinance in November 2019 included new Water Conservation regulations. The District operates in Water Conservation Stage 1 under normal conditions. These regulations reflect the underlying intent of the ordinance that water should not be used in a manner that is wasteful or without a reasonable purpose and ensure the most efficient use of the District’s water resources and to enable the system to be operated in the most cost-effective manner for the benefit of all residents.

At the March 10, 2020 Board of Directors Meeting, the Board declared Stage 2 of the District’s Water Conservation Ordinance, which sets a 20% reduction goal. This goal is in line with the Water Conservation Act of 2009, which requires water agencies to establish water use targets that will result in a statewide saving of 20% by the year 2020. The California Water Code 10608 also requires the District to meet 20% reduction targets. If the District does not meet the 20% reduction mandate, state water funding will no longer be available to the District. In addition to the funding to provide water conservation rebates to our customers, the District has also received funding to improve irrigation at North Tahoe Regional Park and other capital projects.

Stage 1 Restriction Measures

(a) The customer shall maintain the private service lateral, from the water service connection, in good repair.
(b) Any leak or abnormal use in plumbing and/or irrigation systems, including running toilets, or any leak in any receptacle used to store water for any purpose, shall be repaired when found; in any case leak shall be repaired within ten (10) days of District notice to repair.
(c) Irrigation resulting in application of, or runoff onto, sidewalks, walkways, roadways, parking lots, structures, any non-irrigated area, or adjacent properties is prohibited.
(d) Any use of water which results in flooding or runoff into gutters, streets or onto adjacent property is prohibited.
(e) Automatic shutoff valves or nozzles shall be used whenever a hose is used for cleaning or clearing of vehicles, walkways, patios, tennis courts, decks, driveways, parking areas, or other improved areas, whether paved or unpaved.
(f) Automatic shutoff valves or nozzles shall be used whenever water is used in connection with construction activity.
(g) Decorative water features which do not recirculate water are prohibited.
(h) Written authorization from the District shall be obtained prior to use of any fire hydrant for any purpose other than fire suppression or emergency aid.
(i) Water pressure shall not exceed 60 psi within any structure.
(j) Irrigation systems shall be winterized and discontinued from operation by November 1st each year.
(k) Any new irrigation system installed shall be equipped with rain sensing device halting irrigation during and within 48 hours after measurable precipitation.
(l) New non-turf landscaping, including bedding plants and trees, shall be on drip, micro sprinkler, or micro sprayer irrigation systems. Overhead watering only allowed for turf areas.

Stage 2 Restriction Measures

(a) Water consumption by each customer, as measured by the District’s meter, shall be reduced by twenty percent (20%).
(b) No irrigation shall occur on Saturday.
(c) Properties with even number street address may only irrigate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
(d) Properties with odd number street address may only irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. (e) Irrigation of non-turf areas which exclusively utilizes drip systems, including micro sprinklers and micro sprayers, or a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle, shall be exempt from designated irrigation days.
(f) Water shall not be applied to hard surfaces for any reason, except as required for pavement resurfacing or sealing, or health and safety reasons.
(g) Filling or refilling of swimming pools.
(h) Water consumption and allowed uses shall be reduced as specifically prescribed for individual customers based on historic: consumption, type of use, time of use, or any other relevant factors.
(i) All visitor accommodations businesses shall wash guest linens only upon request and/or after checking out. A placard or notice stating such shall be displayed in each guest room.
(j) All public entities shall display informational material, placards, and/or decals, provided by the District, in places visible to all customers.
(k) The owner and/or manager of each hotel, motel, restaurant, convention center, and other visitor-serving facility shall display informational water conservation materials, placards, and/or decals, provided by the District, in places visible to all customers.

Read the full text of the District Water Conservation Regulation (PDF)