Mandatory water conservation regulations adopted in California

The California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted a final emergency regulation on May 5, requiring an immediate 25 percent reduction in overall potable urban water use statewide, in accordance with Gov. Jerry Brown’s April 1 executive order.

The regulation adopted by the board this week places each urban water supplier into one of eight tiers, which are assigned a conservation standard, ranging between 8 percent and 36 percent. For more information on which tier your provider falls under visit www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/drought/docs/emergency_regulations/supplier_tiers_20150428.pdf.

Additionally,  commercial, industrial and institutional properties that are not served by a water supplier, or are self-supplied such as by a groundwater well, must also reduce water use by 25 percent or restrict outdoor irrigation to no more than two days per week. No reporting is required but these properties must maintain documentation of their water use and practices.

What does this mean for golf facilities in California? It's not a one-size-fits-all approach to conservation.

Local water supplies will have discretion on how they achieve their required reductions. If you are using potable water to irrigate, you need to contact your water provider to discuss your situation. Some districts may place larger restrictions on outdoor irrigation. YOU HAVE TO ASK TO FIND OUT.

If you are using groundwater, the state, not the local water provider, will oversee use. Courses will be required to reduce water use by 25 percent or restrict outdoor irrigation to no more than two days per week. If your wells are not currently metered, it is recommended to have them metered and start keeping monthly pumping records. Although reporting is not required at this time, if a complaint is filed against your course it will be much easier if there are proper documentation and records in place. THE ONUS FALLS ON YOU.

The regulation will be submitted to the Office of Administrative Law, which has 10 days to approve or deny the regulation (May15). If approved by the Office of Administrative Law, the regulation will take effect immediately and remain in effect for 270 days from that date.

For more information on the emergency regulations, visit http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/drought/emergency_regulations_waterconservation.shtml.