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Water conservation

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1. When do the regulations start?

The updated regulations began in late-June 2016 per recently adopted State law.

2. Who is affected?

Everyone, regardless of who they receive their water from, is affected by the recently adopted State law which allows each individual water agency to determine their own conservation goal and how best to meet it.  If you are a Menlo Park Municipal Water (MPMW) customer, the revised regulations on the city website apply to you.  If you receive water from a different agency, you will need to contact that agency directly to determine drought regulations that apply to your home/business.

3. How do I determine my water provider?

Check your water bill or click on the interactive map at www.menlopark.org/drought and enter in your address.

4. When can I water?

You may water (i.e. sprinklers, drip irrigation, micro-sprayers, or hand watering) any day of the week and any time during the day as long as runoff does not occur onto hard surfaces.

5. What % of water will the Menlo Park Municipal Water District require me to reduce?

The Menlo Park Municipal Water District is not setting individual user conservation goals. We are asking that everyone try to conserve as much as possible. We are asking everyone to conserve 10% compared to 2013 water use.

6. Will I receive a water budget each month?

The Menlo Park Municipal Water District is not setting individual user conservation goals. We are asking that everyone try to conserve as much as possible.

7. Will I be fined if I use more than the previous month/year?

You will not be fined for increased water use. We are asking that everyone try to conserve as much as possible.

8. Can I use water to clean my driveway or sidewalk?

You may use potable water to clean your driveway/sidewalk/walkway for health and safety purposes only. We recommend using a broom.

9. Can I wash my vehicle?

You may wash your vehicle as long as the hose is equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle. You may also wish to take your vehicle to a commercial car wash that recycles water.

10. What are the penalties? Would I receive a warning or fine?

First violations are normally warnings, however, the Public Works Director can issue fines for first violations depending on the water regulation violated. Below are the penalties adopted by City Council on May 5, 2015.

Violation - Enforcement
1st - Warning only. Educate customer on proper water conservation practices
2nd - $50 fine
3rd - $100 fine
4th - $200 fine, and review by the Public Works Director (or his/her designee) to
determine if a flow restricting device should be installed
5th - $500 fine, and review by the Public Works Director (or his/her designee) to
determine if water service should be discontinued
6th - $500 fine, water service shall be discontinued

Cal Water and O'Connor Tract Cooperative water customers should contact their respective water provider for more information about their enforcement procedures and penalties.

California Water Service 844-726-8579 Toll Free www.calwater.com
O'Connor Tract Coop Water 650-321-2723 www.oconnorwater.org

11. Can I use a power washer to clean a building?

Yes, you may use a power washer to clean a building or wash windows, as long as the power washer is equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

12. I am collecting water in a bucket in the shower. When can I put that water on my outdoor plants/turf?

The water you collect is not potable water, so you can put it on your outdoor plants/turf anytime.

13. How do I report water waste?

Complete the online form at
menlopark.org/waterwaste

14. How will the water regulations be enforced?

Our Code Enforcement police officers physically visit properties from water waste reports to educate them on the water regulations. With repeat violators, we can issue fines.

15. Do the Code Enforcement officers patrol neighborhoods looking for violators?

We do not plan to patrol neighborhoods. We will rely on Water Waste Reports to identify properties that may need additional water conservation education.

16. Does the City have a recycled water system?

Unfortunately the City does not have a recycled water system. However, the Menlo Park Municipal Water District will be evaluating the feasibility of recycled water as part of the Water System Master Plan which is currently underway.

17. I have questions bout my water bill. Who do I contact?

Contact the City’s billing contractor, Global Water Fathom, directly at 650-330-0385 or https://menlopark.gwfathom.com/

18. What is the Menlo Park Municipal Water District doing to reduce its water use?

The Menlo Park Municipal Water District has significantly reduced watering turf and landscapes except for sports fields, turned off median island irrigation systems, replaced old sprinkler heads around the Civic Center, and reused storm water in City-owned decorative fountains.

19. Who can I contact for additional questions?

Call the water hotline at 650-330-6750 or email water@menlopark.org