voluntary water conservation in effect
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities announced effective today the implementation of voluntary conservation measures. This declaration comes as a result of the recent dry weather pattern that has caused low water levels in the James River. Voluntary compliance will assist local governments in providing water to all customers in the region, while […]
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities announced effective today the implementation of voluntary conservation measures. This declaration comes as a result of the recent dry weather pattern that has caused low water levels in the James River. Voluntary compliance will assist local governments in providing water to all customers in the region, while also meeting the requirements of the James River Regional Flow Management Plan. This plan calls for the implementation of voluntary conservation measures once water levels in the James River reach 1,200 cfs (cubic feet per second) or approximately 3 ½ or 3 ¾ feet of depth.
“By voluntarily conserving water, citizens can lessen the strain on one of our most precious natural resources and possibly prevent mandatory conservation measures from being implemented,” says DPU Director Chris Beschler.
Depending on individual usage amounts during voluntary conservation measures, City of Richmond DPU customers may also see a conservation rate surcharge on their utility bills. DPU’s water conservation rate went into effect July 1, 2008. During designated conservation periods customers who make the decision to use more than 140 percent of their normal winter water usage will pay a higher commodity rate on their excess usage. This is to encourage conservation-friendly behavior.
If significant rainfall eliminates the current low water level conditions, these voluntary water conservation measures will be lifted. The chart below outlines the categories included in the Voluntary Water Conservation Measures:
CATEGORY CONSERVATION MEASURE
Established Landscape & Gardens § Monday – no watering § Odd property addresses water Tue, Thur and Sat § Even property addresses water Wed, Fri and Sun (Odd/Even designation is determined by last digit of address number) § Bucket watering (five gallon max. permitted anytime)
New Landscape § Unrestricted for first 10 days after planting, then limited to the “Established Landscape and Gardens” measures
Vegetable Gardens § Limited to any two days per week and between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. on any day. Bucket watering is unrestricted
Paved Areas Washing (Streets, Drives, Patios, Walks, etc.) § Limited to two days per week. Unrestricted for immediate health and safety concerns
Vehicle Washing (Commercial Businesses Exempt) § Limited to two days per week using a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle
Golf Courses (Greens Exempt) § Limited to 8 p.m. thru 10 a.m. on any day
Swimming Pools § Limited to filling required to maintain health and safety
CATEGORY CONSERVATION MEASURE
Fountains § Limited to any two days per week and between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. on any day
Businesses § Limited to essential uses
Restaurants § No restrictions
All Other Consumption Uses § Encourage conservation by any means
City of Richmond Customer Care Center 644-3000
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