Historical information, 2015–2016. The rules and program details below describe the original drought response. For requirements that apply today, visit Riverside Public Utilities’ drought status page.
The 2015 conservation ordinance
During the 2015 drought response, Riverside Public Utilities customers were asked to reduce water use by a cumulative 28% compared with 2013. The original FAQ brochure described these local restrictions:
- Outdoor irrigation was limited to three days a week from April through October, and two days a week beginning in November.
- Watering was permitted between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
- Irrigation runoff and applying water to streets or sidewalks were prohibited.
- Notified irrigation and plumbing leaks had to be repaired within 72 hours.
- Vehicles were to be washed with a bucket or a hose fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
- Restaurants served drinking water on request, and hotels offered guests the option to reuse towels and linens.
The July 2016 update
By July 2016, this website’s homepage announced that RPU customers had returned to the Stage 1 Water Conservation ordinance. The 2015 watering schedule above should therefore be read in its historical context.
- 2015 drought FAQ brochureOriginal English edition · PDF · 458 KB
- Preguntas frecuentes sobre la sequíaEdición original en español · 2015 · PDF · 460 KB