DROUGHT MANAGEMENT RESTRICTIONS

Drought Management


The Eldorado area is located in a high desert environment.  From time to time, drought or semi-drought conditions exist.  Heavy use of water for landscaping during hot, dry periods can result in an unusually high demand on water services, and this peak use can strain water system capacity.  During these times it is necessary for EAWSD and water users to cooperate in a program that will limit the dangers and inconveniences of water shortages.
 
The District has in place a Water Restrictions and Alert Management Plan (WRAMP), which includes four conditions with increasing restrictions on water use:
 
a) "Stage 0: Normal Conditions" -  in effect at all times when other stages are not in effect. Standard water conservation steps are recommended.
 
b) "Stage 1: Guarded Conditions" - will be put into effect when it appears that water supply may not be able to keep up with demand. 

 
c) "Stage 2: Severe Conditions" - will be declared when it is anticipated that supply will be insufficient to maintain appropriate levels of system function, generally when tank levels cannot be maintained above 60-70% full.

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d) "Emergency Conditions" - may be declared when a situation exists that places the integrity of the water system at risk.

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The District can impose any or all of these limitations as requirements for water use during a serious drought. Water restrictions for each of the conditions are detailed in the Water Alert Management Plan (WAMP). 

Stage 1: Guarded Conditions

"Stage 1: Guarded Conditions" -will be put into effect when it appears that water supply may not be able to keep up with demand. 
 

  • Signs are posted at subdivision entrances, the Eldorado Community Center, and the Agora Shopping Center.
     

  • Outdoor watering is restricted to one of the following two options of the customer's choosing:
          1) THREE WEEKDAYS, including Monday,  Wednesday and/or Friday (NO WEEKEND  WATERING); OR
          2) Two days per week including ONE         weekend day as follows: 
              a. Odd-numbered home addresses                    on Tuesday and Saturday
              b. Even-numbered home addresses                   on Thursday and Sunday
     

  • No watering of lawns.
     

  • No new in-ground planting of any trees or shrubs. Postpone new outdoor planting until Stage 1 is lifted.
     

  • No outdoor watering between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.
     

  • No washing of outdoor hard surfaces (e.g., driveways, patios, sidewalks).
     

  • No washing of vehicles, including recreational vehicles or trailers.
     

  • No filling or adding water to pools or outdoor water features (e.g., fountains, ponds). Covered outdoor spa/hot tubs are allowed.
     

Stage 2: Severe Conditions

"Stage 2: Severe Conditions" - will be declared when it is anticipated that supply will be insufficient to maintain appropriate levels of system function, generally when tank levels cannot be maintained above 60-70% full.
 

  • All conservation measures specified in Stage 1 are in effect, with the following additions and modifications:
     

  • Outdoor watering is restricted to ONE weekday per week, as follows:
          1) Odd-numbered home addresses on Tuesday OR Wednesday
          2) Even-numbered home addresses on Thursday OR Friday
     

  • No new in-ground planting of any kinds of plants or vegetation.
     

  • No filling or adding water to pools or outdoor water features (e.g. fountains, ponds) or to spa/hot tubs.
     

  • No water may be used for construction purposes.