July dawned a few hours ago, still without officially signed orders from the state on precisely how Californians should practice water abstinence indoors in response to the four-year-old drought.
The only must-obey orders in place so far in Culver City regard outdoor irrigation, restricted to two days a week, between the low-heat hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.
This is a time to practice prudence, says Public Works Director Charles Herbertson.
“Fifteen minutes on each of those two days should be more than enough time,” he said.
Applying common sense, he said residents should be frugal about their water usage even before new emergency rules are locked in.
“We encourage people not to wait until the rules are official,” he said.
In an aside, Mr. Herbertson said homeowners will be allowed to fill new swimming pools and pool covers will be required.
“The pool industry made a compelling case,” he said. “They argued that putting in a pool saves water in the long term if you are taking grass out and putting a pool in. You actually are saving water.”
Mr. Herbertson reminded that Golden State Water Co., major Culver City water provider, has set a goal of a 16 percent reduction in water usage for the community. Golden State is preparing to activate a set of water restrictions for each household, pending state approval, due around the holiday weekend.
“Just because none of these rules has been approved, it does not mean we shouldn’t be conserving water,” said Mr. Herbertson. “Anyone listening to the news knows that.”
