Due to the continued lack of rain and excessive heat, The City of Beaumont is in what is now defined as a severe drought in the City’s Contingency Plan. The City is requiring all customers to actively and intentionally conserve water and minimize or discontinue water use for non-essential purposes during this time. These conservation efforts will be brought down to level two restrictions when levels have rescinded for a period of three (3) consecutive days.
During this time, irrigation of landscaped areas shall be limited to designated watering days and times and shall be by means of hand-held hoses, hand-held buckets, drip irrigation, or permanently installed automatic sprinkler system only. The use of hose-end sprinklers is prohibited at all times. We also ask that you limit washing any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane, or other vehicles and discontinue filling, refilling, or adding to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools, wading pools, or jacuzzi-type pools except for your designated days.
This is Sundays and Thursdays for customers with a street address ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or and Saturdays and Wednesdays for water customers with a street address ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9), between the hours of midnight and 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to midnight on designated watering days or risk penalty of an ordinance violation.
Operation of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes is prohibited except where necessary to support aquatic life or where such fountains or ponds are equipped with a recirculation system. All restaurants are prohibited from serving water to patrons except upon request of the patron.
The following uses of water are also defined as non-essential and are prohibited:
1. Wash-down of any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas
2. Use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection
3. Use of water for dust control
4. Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street
5. Failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s)
The City will also be taking measures to reduce its water consumption by reducing or discontinuing the flushing of water mains, discontinuing fire hydrant flushing, reducing or discontinuing irrigation of public landscaping, implementing measures to return all system components to full production capacity, and by aggressively locating and repairing water main leaks and breaks. The watering of golf course tees is prohibited unless the golf course utilizes a water source other than that provided by the City. Use of water from hydrants shall be limited to firefighting, related activities, or other activities necessary to maintain public health, safety, and welfare, except that use of water from designated fire hydrants for construction purposes may be allowed under special permit from the City.
With your help in conserving water through everyone's efforts, we hope to lift these restrictions as soon as possible.
Water-saving tips:
Check faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems for leaks and repair any you find. Even a slow drip can use several gallons a day.
Be conservative showering and bathing. Take shorter showers. If you must use the bathtub, only fill it half full.
Don't leave water running while you're brushing your teeth or shaving. Every little bit helps.
Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load. You can also select a lower or shorter cycle or save water by rinsing dishes beforehand.
Consider replacing old toilets or showerheads. Dual flush models use less water, as do low-flow shower heads.
Sweep it up. Clean your driveway and exterior areas with a broom instead of a hose.
For more information on the City's Drought Contingency Plan, visit www.ecode360.com/38683374