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Corona Department of Water & Power
"Protecting Public Health"
Drought Ordinance - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major factors for issuing the Drought Ordinance?
In June 2008, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger officially declared that California is in a drought due to many factors, including the lack of precipitation in the Sierra Nevadas and increased environmental protection of endangered species in the California Delta. These factors, coupled with the lack of rain in Southern California, have led to a reduced water supply in our area.
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Is the Drought Ordinance only for properties located in the City of Corona?
Yes. However, the entire state of California is being impacted by the drought. As such, most counties, cities and water agencies are implementing drought ordinances to address the water shortage.
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What is the current Water Alert Stage?
On July 31, 2009, the City of Corona went to a Stage 2 Water Alert. Water consumption must be reduced by 10%. Click here to read about the permitted water uses in Stage 2 Water Alert.
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Are Homeowner's Associations (HOA's) exempt from this Drought Ordinance?
No. The ordinance applies to all properties located within or maintained by a Homeowner's Association.
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How is this going to affect my water bill?
By complying with the Ordinance, it will help you save water as well as money! Excessive water use could lead to possible penalties or fines that will increase your water bills.
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What can I do to help protect our environment and save money on my water bill?
- Give your irrigation system a "tune-up" by checking for broken and misaligned sprinkler heads and leaks on a weekly basis
- Adjust your irrigation to a watering schedule of 15 minutes, 3 times a week
- When it rains, turn off your controller for a few days
- Adjust to a watering schedule of 1 to 2 days a week in winter months
- Only water lawns in the pre-dawn or early morning hours to avoid evaporation
- Adjust your sprinklers so that the grass is getting watered, not the sidewalks, driveway or gutter
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How can customers report water waste?
Call the Corona Department of Water & Power at (951) 736-2234 and provide a brief description of the violation that includes the date, time and nature of the water waste. Callers can remain anonymous.
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Will the City continue issuing water meters relative to growth?
In Water Conservation Stage 3, the number of new construction meters will not exceed the number of currently authorized meters. New construction meters will not be issued unless an existing meter is removed from service or the project is necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public.
In Stage 4, no new construction water meters will be issued. In addition, no new building permits will be issued, unless the building is using recycled water, it can be determined that there will not be an increase in water use, or the project is necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public.
In Stage 5, no new connections to the water system will be allowed.
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What if my water comes from a well?
The Drought Ordinance also applies to well users. Wells may become unusable due to groundwater levels or groundwater quality, approaching levels which may require augmentation of the groundwater basin or other actions necessary to protect the basin as prescribed by the California Department of Water Resources, the Department of Public Health, Riverside County or other regulatory agencies.
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How long is the Drought Ordinance going to be in effect?
No one knows for sure, but with the population increases projected in Southern California, the conservation of our most precious resource is a must. We must all learn to use less water. California has one of the highest per capita water use rates in the United States. We can no longer afford to waste water or take water availability for granted.
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What is the City's mission for ensuring a long-term water supply?
Our goal and mission is to ensure sustainability and reliability of our water supply to support our community's needs through conservation, groundwater management, recycled water expansion, landscape retrofit and development of sustainable local water supplies.
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How do I know if I am using too much water?
The Corona Department of Water & Power is currently working on a water efficiency formula that takes into account how many people are living in your household, how much water each person should be using and how large your lot size is. The goal will be to have a calculator on our website as well as information mailed out to our customers. This should be used as a guideline for you to see how much water you are currently using and how much of an opportunity you have to cut back. When you cut back, you will be saving water and money off of your utility bill.
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