Drought FAQs

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Drought Regulations
- Are pool covers required?
  No, but they are recommended to help reduce evaporation.
- Can I still wash my car or do I have to go to a carwash?
  You can still wash your car at home as long as you use a hose fitted with a nozzle with an automatic shut-off valve.
- How do I report water waste?
  For JCSD to take action on a water waste report, a photo or video that clearly shows the water waste and the source of the violation must be submitted. For example, providing a photo of water in a street gutter that does not identify which property the waste is coming from would not be sufficient. To submit a report, please do one of the following:
  - Download the E-Citizen mobile app onto your smart phone. Search for “E-Citizen.”
    
    iPhone users
    
    Android users
  - Submit a water waste report using the online form.
  - E-mail a photo, the description, and exact address where the water waste is occurring to SaveWater@JCSD.us.
  - Call the Conservation Hotline at (951) 727-3521.
- Is it okay to drain and fill swimming pools?
  JCSD does not have any restrictions for draining or filling swimming pools.
- Is there a target for customers to reduce water use?
  JCSD has called upon its customers to voluntarily reduce water use by 15%. In addition, we ask customers to significantly reduce their water usage by adhering to the 4 days per week watering schedule and following the other provisions within JCSD's Drought Response Level 2.
- What are the restrictions for Restaurants and Hotels?
  • Restaurants or public places where food is served are prohibited from serving drinking water to a customer unless requested
  • Hotels and motels must give guests the option of choosing not to have their linens laundered daily
- What are the watering/irrigating restrictions?
  - Water only between 8:00 pm and 8:00 am for no more than 10 minutes per day per station
  - Upgrade to water-saving devices and landscaping
  - Repair all leaks
  - Use a shut-off nozzle when washing a vehicle
  - Do not water more than 4 days per week
  - Do not allow runoff
  - Do not water during and 48 hours after measurable rainfall
  - Do not hose down hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and gutters
- What is JCSD doing to conserve water?
  JCSD will no longer be watering ornamental turf located in street medians. We have also reduced the number of days parks are watered. However, because parks provide recreational activities, we will continue to maintain functional turf for community's enjoyment while adhering to drought regulations. JCSD is in the process of developing a Recycled Water Project that will improve our water supply reliability and conserve potable water.
- What is prohibited at Level 2 - Drought Alert Restrictions?
  At Level 2, the following restrictions are in place:
  - Ornamental landscape and turf irrigation can only be watered up to 4 days per week for no more than 10 minutes per station per day. We recommend splitting up the watering times and running your sprinklers several times for shorter periods (for example, run your irrigation for 5 minutes, twice a day).
  - Irrigating landscape is limited to the hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- When will recycled water be available?
  JCSD tentatively expects to serve a portion of its customers with recycled water by 2023. For project updates and more information, please see our Recycled Water Project page.
- Why are the Parks watered in the middle of the afternoon during the summer?
  You may be referring to the over-seeding process required to revive heavily used turf area that has been damaged or over used. Our goal is to maintain the parks for the enjoyment of the entire community and continue to follow the drought restrictions. Reseeding will only be conducted if it can be done while complying with drought regulations.
- Why can't I put in artificial turf?
  Both cities allow artificial turf; however, artificial turf is not ideal for our area since it heats to dangerous temperatures in the sun and leaks chemicals into the soil. Most brands of artificial turf do not allow as much rainfall to permeate into our precious groundwater reserve as native or drought-tolerant landscaping would, so JCSD does not offer any rebate incentives for switching to artificial turf.
- Will JCSD be issuing fines?
  JCSD will make every reasonable effort to contact customers regarding water-use violations. Before penalties are ever issued, JCSD will utilize several methods, including, but not limited to, personal contact, door hanger, letter, email, or phone to notify customers of correctable issues. Fines are listed in Ordinance Number 389 under Article 10.
- Will the operating hours for the splash pads at the parks be reduced?
  At this time, the hours and season for splash pads will remain the same. The splash pads use a recirculating system, and the water only runs when activated. It is a water-efficient system and is for the benefit of the entire community. Please contract our Parks and Recreation department at (951) 727-3524 or Parks@JCSD.us for the most up-to-date information on the Eastvale splash pad hours of operation.
- Will there be a hold on new developments during the drought?
  At this time, developments are still being approved by each city we serve; however, for questions regarding the planning, design, review, and construction inspection of water and sewer facilities, or the facilitation of streetlights for developer-funded projects, please contact our Development Engineering Services department.