Mandatory water rationing additions recommended

Golden State Water Co. representatives have asked the California Public Utilities Commission to include new mandatory water conservation and rationing measures to its tariffs in response to the statewide drought and the company’s representatives will be hosting an information meeting on this new development on May 29.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Complex’s Rotunda Room at 4117 Overland Ave. It will cover the rationing request, mandatory water use restrictions, associated enforcement mechanisms and provide information on conservation rebates, programs and other items of significance.

The water supplier, which provides water to most Culver City households, filed an “advice letter” with the commission recently to add what is called a Schedule 14.1-CC Staged Mandatory Water Conservation and Rationing provision, which provides information on restrictions, water allocations, enforcement measures and surcharges.

These additions, according to Golden State, will “help to achieve reductions due to water supply shortages or to achieve identified water usage goals established by an authorized government agency or official.”

The new restrictions would limit outdoor watering to two days per week and only between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Those who do not comply with these restrictions could face having a flow restrictor device installed as well as any associated fees for installation and removal, which could range from $150 to $300. Culver City leaders are also in the midst of planning new water use limits. The City Council voted on April 13 to consider adopting Level 2 restrictions, who would impose tighter controls on outdoor water use as well.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s April executive order calls for a 25% mandatory reduction in urban water usage and these new guidelines will also require consumers to use essentially the same amount that they did in 2013.

Culver City’s mandated usage is 16%.

Additional information about the advice letter or the drought measures can be found at 1-800-999-4033 or at Golden State’s website, www.gswater.com.