Pasadena to enforce outdoor watering ban as seismic retrofit work is done on supply line

Pasadena on Friday will begin enforcing a 10-day total ban on watering lawns and gardens and on washing cars, pending completion of a seismic retrofit of a major regional water supply line, a spokeswoman for the city said.

In declaring its first Level 4 Water Shortage Emergency, the city will rely solely on its groundwater and reserves while the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California completes a seismic retrofit of its F.E. Weymouth Water Treatment Plant in La Verne, Ann Erdman said.

The city is also advising its customers to consider rescheduling landscaping plans, since plants that are not yet established are particularly vulnerable.

"We’re going to be short about 100 million gallons during the 10-day shutdown," Erdman said. "But Pasadena has natural resources which will do us just fine for health, hygiene and commercial purposes.

"Some people are already panicking, asking things like, ‘Oh my gosh! What about my roses?' " Erdman said. "But our consultants say most established plants and lawns can hold up well without water for 10 days."

Written warnings may be issued for first offenses, according to Pasadena Water and Power. Customers with meter sizes smaller than 1½ inches who continue to violate the ban could face fines of $100 to $500. Fine amounts are double for customers with meters 1½ inches or larger.

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Comments

[mike]

Good luck to them catching me. I plan on watering 2 times a day everyday

[uncle_max]

I am going to water anyway. Ever have the water company help you out or give you a break if you are late on your water bill. No way.

Well they can pound sand.

[dee gee]

watering ban??? why?? .....so all the rich people can continue to water their BEAUTIFUL LUSH gardens??

[John]

This is just a taste of what the future holds. The entire planet has been facing a clean water shortage for some time now, we are just starting to feel the ripple. Water is a very precious commodity and is continuing to become more scarce.

[jerm]

every body is watering in Pasadena Sunday and Monday march 20 and 21 Pasadena is going to be rich : )