Mandatory conservation to begin

Beginning March 4, the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District will impose mandatory water conservation measures that will carry penalties for customers who don't comply.

California's prolonged drought, combined with recent court decisions to restrict water flow from the north to save endangered fish species—and the public's weak response to the district's plea for voluntary water conservation over the past year— prompted the tougher measures, said Jimmie Cho, the district's director of resource conservation and public outreach.

Firsttime offenders will receive a warning letter, Cho said. Subsequent fines will range from $50 to $250. Perpetual violators could have their service turned off.

The mandatory conservation measures are as follows:

•Irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

•Irrigation is not permitted during periods of rain or in the 24 hours following rainfall in excess of one inch.

•Irrigation is prohibited from running off into streets, gutters or adjacent properties.

•Potable water shall not be used to clean or sweep hard surfaces such as sidewalks, walkways, parking areas and driveways, unless an approved water conservation broom is used and only as necessary to protect public health and safety.

•Car washing is permitted only with the use of a nozzle having an automatic shutoff.

•Restaurants shall only serve water upon request.

•Hotels and motels will offer multinight guests the option to retain towels and linens during their stay.

The public can report violations by calling (818) 251-2180.

Tight budget

In April, the district is expected to roll out another phase of water conservation budgets.

"The current water supply situation is not good and will not improve anytime soon," said John Mundy, Las Virgenes general manager. "Customers will need to set priorities on how they use water and make do with their individual budgeted amount."

The move towards water budgets came in response to the likelihood that Metropolitan Water District, the local distributor, will cut supplies to its member agencies, Cho said. The amount of cutbacks are not yet known.

Average households can expect a budget allocation of 12,000-gallons of water every two months, Cho said.

Each home will be alloted more water use in the summer than in the winter. Homes with pools, however, will not be provided with extra water.

Wasting water now will not result in a higher budgeted allocation, Mundy warned.

"The budgets will not be based on previous use," he said.

The district will hold community meetings to explain the budget system and to answer questions.

"We want and need the cooperation of the community in responding to the water crisis," Mundy said. "We will go 'the extra mile' to help customers understand the budget system, which can only work if everyone does their share." Conservation not difficult

While the district offers rebates for certain water-efficient clothes washers, toilets, weatherbased irrigation controllers and lawn sprinkler heads, Mundy recommends customers also follow several "water wise" practices.

Using a broom to sweep a driveway rather than hosing it off is one way to save water. Taking cars to a car wash is another way to conserve since those facilities use recycled water.

Other watersaving habits include turning off the water when brushing teeth or shaving, washing only full loads of laundry or dishes, and promptly repairing leaky pipes.

Homeowners and businesses that use landscape maintenance firms should ensure that irrigation systems are appropriately maintained, properly timed and only operating when necessary.

About 70 percent of the water delivered by the district is used outdoors.

"There will be no waivers on penalties for negligence," Mundy said.

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District serves a population of 65,000 in the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village and adjacent unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

The agency's website is www.lvmwd.com.