Take Action Now!

Water conservation efforts directed by the Pasadena City Council last December for all residents and businesses have been voluntary but that may change in the near future.

Everyone was asked to adhere to nine water conservation measures. Pasadena Water and Power has consistently promoted the program, Water Shortage Plan I, and has encouraged customers to go beyond those nine measures by taking extra steps to curb water waste, all with the goal of a 10 percent cutback in our community’s water use. However, the overall savings hasn’t come close to meeting that objective.

Therefore, on Aug. 11, the council took actions to prepare for potential implementation of Water Shortage Plan II, a mandatory program, as early as October.

The council will conduct a public hearing Monday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, room S249 at Pasadena City Hall, to consider establishing financial penalties for those who violate the provisions of Water Shortage Plan II if it is implemented in the future. You may come in person, watch the proceedings live on KPAS or watch on your computer at www.cityofpasadena.net (click on City News and then the KPAS logo).

The proposed penalties are:

• written warning for the first violation

• $50 for the second

• $100 for the third

• $200 for the fourth, plus installation of a water flow restrictor for 30 days

• $500 plus installation of a flow restrictor for the remainder of the water shortage period

• $500 for any subsequent violation.

With the possibility of mandatory restrictions and fines looming, PWP strongly advises everyone in Pasadena to take immediate action to correct sources of water waste, including broken sprinklers, watering lawns more than three times per week, hosing down pavement, etc.

On Aug. 11 the council also directed the city attorney to return in 60 days with amendments to three of the conservation measures in Pasadena’s Water Shortage Plan, which is part of the Pasadena Municipal Code (chapter 13.10.040). Amendments under review are allowing industrial use of high-efficiency “water brooms” to hose down pavement, expanding restricted hours for landscape watering to 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. and deleting the section that prohibits the filling and refilling of swimming pools.

To see all of the provisions of the Water Shortage Plan including proposed amendments plus additional conservation tips, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/SaveWater.  

Free Workshops Help You Save Water

Watering lawns, gardens and other landscaping is the single largest cause of water waste. Most people over-water by 50 to 70 percent – a huge waste of our depleted water supply. Let the experts show you or your gardener how to properly irrigate your lawn and garden at PWP’s new Efficient Irrigation workshops Sept. 10, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Oct. 29 and Nov. 12. Workshops are in English, and free Spanish interpretation is available upon request. For times, locations or to reserve your seat, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/SaveWater.

Native and California-friendly plants are low-maintenance, use little water, can be planted in natural soil with no fertilization, and even attract butterflies! Learn more at the “Native Nights” workshop Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St. The guest speaker, Lily Singer, will show examples of beautiful, drought-tolerant plants and share tips for making them thrive in your garden. Singer is a recognized garden writer with a regular byline in the Los Angeles Times, a Southern California plant expert, horticulture consultant and educator. Reservations are required, so visit www.cityofpasadena.net/SaveWater or call 744-3715. 

Earn Generous Rebates for Water-efficient Appliances

PWP offers rebates to encourage residential customers to choose water-efficient appliances and products!

Earn the following rebates:

• $225 rebate when you buy a high-efficiency clothes washer

• $120 for a weather-based irrigation controller

• $60 to $265 for a high-efficiency, dual-flush toilet

• $5 for a rotating sprinkler head.

Find full program details, rebate applications, and a listing of PWP’s commercial and multifamily rebate programs at www.cityofpasadena.net/rebates.

Calculate Your Solar Potential

What’s your solar power potential? Visit www.cityofpasadena.net/solar and click on Clean Power Estimator. With a few simple keystrokes, this nifty tool will instantly calculate how much solar power your home could be generating plus the associated cost and carbon emission savings. Need extra help finishing the solar equation? Come to a free workshop Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle, 960 E. Walnut St. Reservations are required, so reserve your seat at www.cityofpasadena.net/solar.