For water conservation questions, please call Cori Ryan at 927-6225.

Water conservation is a way of life for drought-sensitive Cambria. The town's current moratorium and recent water surcharges have motivated residents to employ stringent water conservation measures.  To find out more about the CCSD's water conservation program, please review the information below. 

You may also link to the H2OUSE website at www.h2ouse.org to obtain more detailed information on all water conservation issues.
This website was developed by the California Urban Water Conservation Council under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and provides a wealth of water saving tips.

 Water Conservation Rules
In consideration of Cambria's scarce water supplies and recurring drought conditions, the CCSD Board of Directors declared a moratorium on new water hookups in November 2001. The CCSD is urging all residents and business owners to minimize their water use during this critical time. A Water Master Plan (WMP) to determine water supply options is available for viewing at Water Master Plan. Under CCSD Ordinance 4-2000, the following water conservation rules apply to all residents and businesses at all times:

• Do not allow water to run off onto other properties or the street.
• Unattended watering/irrigation of landscaping is prohibited.
• Do not irrigate landscape between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Irrigation should only provide sufficient water to maintain minimal landscaping needs.
• Do not wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, etc. Use a broom.
• Repair leaks in plumbing or your water distribution system within 8 hours of discovery.
• Wash cars with a bucket and only rinse with a hose that has a shutoff nozzle.
• Restaurants may not serve water to customers unless requested.
• Do not use potable water for dust control or construction activities.

For more water conservation methods, call the Cori Ryan at 927-6225.

Water Saving Tips

• Limit showers to 5 minutes and install a 2.0 gallon-per-minute showerhead.
• Install water efficient fixtures, i.e. replace 3.5 or 5-gallon toilets with 1.6 gallon-per-flush toilets.
• Run only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
• Don't leave water running while shaving or brushing your teeth.
• Use drought-tolerant plants.
• Adjust watering schedule seasonally and with changes in weather.
• Use Drip (micro) irrigation systems.
• Periodically check your sprinkler system to ensure it is operating properly. (Frequent power outages in Cambria can wreak havoc with timers).
• Replace lawns with ground covers requiring minimal water.

Landscaping Basics that Save Water

Depending upon your existing landscaping, you may be able to substantially reduce your household's water use by removing turf grass, using drought-tolerant plants, and landscaping with rocks, bricks, gravel, wood and other materials. The CCSD strongly urges its customers to avoid planting turf.

Before you plant a garden, review these seven water wise steps:

• A professional can help you organize your garden for water efficiency while retaining aesthetics and practicality.
• The addition of organic matter to the soil increases water retention and penetration.
• Two to three inches of mulch will keep soil cool, enhance water retention and retard weed growth.
• There are numerous native and Mediterranean-climate plants that thrive in the Cambria area.
• Replace high-water, high-maintenance plant/lawn areas with drought-resistant shrubs and groundcovers. 
• Group plants according to their water and sun needs.
• Adjust your irrigation system and check for efficiency to save water.

Click here for a list of Drought-Resistant Plants that work well in the Cambria area.

Checking for Leaks.  

To keep track of your water use and determine if you have a leak, check your water meter frequently. Water meters are usually located in the ground at the front of your property in a green plastic or concrete box. If you have an older style water meter, the information below may not apply. For more information, call Cori Ryan at 927-6225.
     

Refer to the guide below to read your water meter.

1. Billing Numbers. The first four places on the left are used for billing.  This number, minus the ending amount from the previous billing period, represents the number of water units used during the current billing period.  One unit of water equals 100 cubic feet of water or 748 gallons.

2. Sweep Hand on Meter Face.  One revolution equals one cubic foot or 7.48 gallons of water.

3.  Red Triangle/Leak Detector.  This triangle rotates whenever water is flowing through the meter.  If you turn off all your water fixtures and this triangle is moving, you have a leak.

Monitoring Your Water Meter