State imposed water use restrictions are making waves in one of California’s most iconic and affluent cities. Beverly Hills has a 32 per cent reduction target under an emergency regulation that came into force in June 2015 to mandate a state-wide 25 per cent decrease in water consumption relative to 2013 levels.
This higher saving threshold is based on the city’s water use record, which the California State Water Board reports at nearly 209 residential gallons per capita day (R-GPCD) in the third quarter of 2014. In comparison, 27 jurisdictions with an R-GPCD of less than 65 are tagged to deliver a relatively less stringent 8 per cent water saving, while 67 jurisdictions with rates ranging from 215 to 612 R-GPCD face the most onerous 36 per cent reduction requirement.
“We need all Californians to step up — and keep it up — as if we don’t know when it will rain and snow again,” urges Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Board. “Because we don’t.”
Beverly Hills has enacted several new rules with potential surcharges of up to 4.67 times the city’s base water rate for consumers who fail to attain the conservation benchmark. All except designated pre-existing efficient users are expected to cut potable water consumption by 30 per cent.
A list of illicit activities — categorized as misdemeanours under the state criminal code — now includes filling swimming pools, outdoor watering in excess of eight minutes on two days per week, and washing vehicles with fresh water anywhere other than a commercial car wash facility. Ignoring leaky plumbing or irrigation equipment could also be costly, equating to a fine of up to $1,000 for each proven violation.
On the communications and education front, notification of water conservation goals must be posted in all public washrooms as well as private bathrooms in hotels. The city has introduced a garden coaching program to provide property owners with a 90-minute personal consultation, and it is now considering permitting artificial turf on residential front yards.
“I am confident that given all the information and options, our residents and businesses will step up and reduce their water use to respond to the drought crisis,” says Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold.
Notably, some rebates for the installation of water-efficient fixtures and appliances have been more than doubled as of July 1, 2015. Commercial property owners/managers can now claim $500 per ultra-low-water urinal — a $300 top-up of the previous payout — and $300 per high-efficiency toilet.
