City asks residents to start conserving water

Residents are being asked to voluntarily conserve water, as the city began implementing Stage 1 of its Water Management Program on Tuesday.

Huntington Beach expects imminent water supply shortages of 10% or less, and additional water shortages are expected as soon as this summer.

The city will release additional information in the coming weeks.

Specific measures residents and businesses can take to reduce water usage include:

?Avoid washing hard surfaces except for health and safety reasons.

?Use automatic cut-off valves or a bucket when washing cars.

?Turn off decorative water elements like fountains unless the water is being recycled.

?Install pool and spa covers.

?Don’t drain and refill pools and fountains unless necessary for health and safety reasons.

?Irrigate between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., and reduce frequency by 50% where possible.

?Adjust sprinklers and irrigation systems to avoid overuse and runoff.

?Use low-water-using plants or hardscaping.

?Evaluate frequency of nonessential cleaning, like window washing.

?Retrofit indoor plumbing fixtures with low-flow devices if appropriate.

?Check fixtures for leaks.

For more information, call the Public Works Utilities Division at (714) 536-5921.