Burbank Water and Power announced Monday the return to a two-day outdoor water schedule for all residents and commercial users.
Since 2008, Burbank’s sustainable water-use ordinance has mandated the outdoor watering schedule, and residents have made strides in water conservation, especially recently, according to figures gathered by BWP.
Over the last 12 months, the city has reduced average water use by 18% as compared to the same 12-month period in 2020.
Now, Burbank is in “stage III” of the ordinance, which mandates that the city move back to a two-days-per-week watering schedule during the warmer months of April through October. During this time, residents are asked to use irrigation on Tuesdays and Saturdays only, before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. for up to 15 minutes per irrigation station.
Hand watering is allowed any day of the week, but should be done before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
The ordinance also prohibits the use of evaporative cooling devices like misters, and requires residents to cover all swimming pools, wading pools, or spas when not in use with acceptable protection to decrease water evaporation.
The sustainable water-use ordinance does not apply to recycled water.
Residents can take advantage of a variety of programs and rebates to further curb water use, including those for home appliances like laundry machines and toilets, and outdoor water systems like weather-based irrigation controllers, rain barrels and efficient sprinkler systems.
First published in the March 30 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
