California’s main water sources have been severely impacted by record dry conditions this past year. The state is already using its reserves to supply everyday water to homes and businesses. Many California cities are passing water conservation ordinances and calling for residents to lower their water usage. The City of Buena Park is asking residents to evaluate their daily water use to find ways to reduce their water consumption.

NEW WATER CONSERVATION ORDINANCE       Learn details here               In 2009, we find ourselves in another extended drought with no end currently in sight. The Buena Park City Council has adopted a Water Conservation Program with the following major provisions:

1. Limits on lawn irrigation – never water between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and each station may only operate for 15-minutes each cycle.
2. No runoff of water into the street due to overwatering your lawn.
3. No washing down of driveways and sidewalks with a hose.
4. All water leaks must be repaired within 5 days.
5. Vehicle washing may only occur with the use of a bucket or a hose with a nozzle that automatically shuts off when you release the handle.
6. Drinking water may only be served in a restaurant upon request of the patron.
7. Recirculating water is required for fountains and decorative water features.

To view the complete ordinance, please click here.

SIMPLE TIPS FOR SAVING WATER AT HOME 

Did you know a dripping faucet can waste 5,000 gallons of water a year? And a single flush of your toilet uses seven to ten gallons of water depending on your toilet’s reservoir. As we head into the spring and summer with higher temperatures and longer days, our water usage will be increasing. Here are some creative ways to save water:

Saving Water Inside Your Home                  

• Check toilets for leaks. Put a drop of food coloring in the tank. If it appears in the bowl without flushing, it’s leaking and can waste up to 4,000 gallons in a year.
• Take shorter showers as they use two to three “buckets” of water every minute; limit baths as they use two-and –a- half times as much as an average shower.
• Run your dishwasher or washing machine only when it’s full. Surprisingly, a dishwasher uses only about 9 to 12 gallons of water while hand washing dishes can use up to 20 gallons.
• Don’t run the tap when brushing your teeth; use a cup of water to rinse.
• Install water saving shower heads and low flow toilets.
• Don’t use your toilet as a disposal unit to flush used tissue or other debris    

Saving Water Outdoors                     

• Delay regular lawn watering during the first cool weeks of spring. This encourages deeper rooting and makes your lawn healthier for the rest of the summer.
• Don't sprinkle grass lightly, deep-soak it. Light watering causes the grass to develop shallow roots that are both less drought-resistant and more prone to winter kill.
• Water your lawn early in the morning. By 10 a.m., heat and evaporation go up, robbing the lawn of moisture.

Water Conservation and the Flu Season

The Municipal Water District of Orange County and the family of Orange County water agencies want to encourage everyone to be as efficient with water as possible, but do not want to compromise health and safety in any manner. So after receiving an inquiry, we contacted Dr. Michele Cheung, MD MPH, FAAP, the Deputy Medical Director, Epidemiology at the Orange County Health Care Agency and asked for clarification. Dr Cheung recommended the following: Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.

 When washing hands with soap and water:

Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available. Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces. Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" twice through to a friend! Rinse hands well under running water Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands. When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer: Apply product to the palm of one hand Rub hands together Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry. When should you wash your hands? Before preparing or eating food After going to the bathroom After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom Before and after tending to someone who is sick After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing After handling an animal or animal waste After handling garbage Before and after treating a cut or wound

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 76 million Americans get a food-borne illness each year. Of these, about 5,000 die as a result of their illness.       According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 76 million Americans get a food-borne illness each year. Of these, about 5,000 die as a result of their illness.

Dr. Cheung also provided a link from the Center for Disease control in regards to hand washing: http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/

For more information on Water Supplies, Water Conservation and more great water saving tips, visit the following websites:  

• Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
• Be Water Wise Water Conservation
• Municipal Water District of Orange County
• California Urban Water Conservation Council
• Orange County Water District

For questions regarding water conservation in the City of Buena Park, please contact the Public Works Department at (714) 562-3670.