MEMBER RESOURCES

DROUGHT RESOURCES

California and Napa County are in the midst of a historic drought. Businesses and residents alike are asked to work together to save water. Below we have gathered resources to help everyone conserve water and created messaging tools for our business community.

As of 2021, all 58 counties in California are under a drought emergency proclamation. At the  May 4, 2021, Town Council meeting, Town Council adopted Resolution 21-4054 approving the implementation of modified Phase 2 Water Emergency Regulations in response to the drought and the initial notice from CalVET of only 400 Acre-Feet from Rector Reservoir and Treatment Plant.

In an effort to combat the effects of the prolonged drought the Town of Yountville has implemented several water restrictions. The top of these effecting businesses include:

  • Outdoor irrigation with potable water delivered by the Town of Yountville Distribution system only allowed 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to reduce evaporation loss with an odd/even watering schedule (off addresses water Tuesday and Friday; even addresses water Monday and Thursday)
  • No outdoor irrigation Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday with potable water delivered from the Town’s water distribution system
  • Irrigation is not permitted during or 48 hours after measurable rainfall
  • Hotels and Inns must clearly and prominently display notice of option to reuse towels and linens changes only upon guest request
  • Using water to wash any driveway or sidewalk
  • Using water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated
  • Tap water can only be provided to customers upon request
  • Scrape all dishes prior to rinsing

 

For a full list of resources use the arrows below.

 

DOWNLOADABLE DROUGHT SIGNAGE

TOWN OF YOUNTVILLE RESOURCES

 

Current Water Regulations

1.  The Phase 1 water conservation measures remain in effect.

2.  Commercial and industrial users shall reduce their water use by 20% of their use during the corresponding period of the preceding nonrationed year.

3.  Residential users shall reduce their water use by 20%. In no event shall residential users exceed the following gallons per day per meter:

F. Residential meter serving one unit: 450 gallons per day;

G. Residential meter serving two units: 700 gallons per day;

H. Master meter serving more than two units, no separate irrigation meter: 250 per occupied unit plus an irrigation allotment totaling 40 gallons per day for each 1,000 square feet of landscaping.

I. Master meter serving more than two units, with separate irrigation meter: 250 per occupied unit.

J. These limits are to be applied “per day” and an average across a week or month shall not be allowed.

4. For a lawn, landscaping, or field irrigated through a Town Landscape Irrigation Meter dedicated to that use, usage shall be limited to 40 gallons per day for each 1,000 square feet of such lawn, landscaping, or field.

5.  Regardless of water source, all outdoor irrigation shall be prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

6. Regardless of water source, even numbered addresses shall irrigate only on Monday and Thursday, odd numbered addresses shall irrigate only on Tuesday and Friday. There shall be no irrigation on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday. 

7.  Irrigation is not permitted during or 48 hours after measurable rainfall. Measurable rainfall is defined as ¼” in a calendar day (mid-night to mid-night).

8. No using of potable water to wash down structures, sidewalks, and driveways.

9. No hand watering or irrigating outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excess runoff.

10. No hand watering or washing of motor vehicles with a hose unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle.

11. No operating a fountain or decorative water feature unless the water is part of a recirculating system.

12. Drained or new swimming pools shall not be filled using potable water from the Town’s domestic water supply. Pool water must be trucked in from an off-site, out of Town water source.

13. Newly permitted pools and spas must be equipped with an installed cover prior to final inspection.

14. Newly constructed homes and existing homes with landscape renovations shall install drip or micro-spray systems and drought tolerant landscape.

15. No irrigation of parking median strips (between the sidewalk and the curb) shall be allowed without a drip irrigation system.

16. Hotels and motels must clearly and prominently display notice of option to reuse towels and linens changes only upon guest request.

17. The Town shall give notice to any customer that has a terminable service contract with the Town that such contract will be terminated upon implementation of Phase III by the Council.

Fines

The following fines may apply:

    • $100 for first violation
    • $200 for second violation
    • $500 if violations persist within the same year per Municipal Code Chapter 8:05.120

Town of Yountville Water Resource Page

NAPA COUNTY RESOURCES

Water is a precious and limited resource, especially in drought-prone Napa County. As a result, water conservation and the efficient use of Napa County’s water supply are major priorities for the County.

We encourage all residents in Napa County to embrace wise water use as a daily habit, whether we are experiencing a year of heavy or meager rain. Start by clicking on one of the links below, which provides water conservation resources, rebates, tips and information regarding your local water agency, including water use restrictions. You can also visit Save Our Water for additional resources and ideas on how to conserve water.

Drought and Water Supply

Reservoir and Precipitation Levels

Water Bill Rebates

If you receive a water bill, check with your water supplier to find out what rebates they offer. Visit the Watershed Information and Conservation Council’s website to find out more.

Water-Wise Landscaping

Selecting appropriate plants, mulching, and frequently adjusting irrigation to match the weather are just a few of the actions you can take to save water in your landscape. Learn more about Water-Wise Gardening in the Napa Valley.

Municipal and State Water Conservation Links

Additional Links

CALIFORNIA RESOURCES
The state of California has put together an impressive website of drought-related information. You can visit the website by clicking here.

Tracking conditions
See current conditions

A ridge in the Sierra Nevada mountains with no snow coverage. Photo from April 2022 snow survey.

Do we have enough water stored?

In drier seasons, we rely on other sources of water. These include reservoirs and melted snowpack. But we are now facing a historic level of dryness that has gone on for 3 years. And it’s only getting worse: 2022 had the driest January, February, and March in over 100 years.

Major reservoir levels

Reservoirs get us through the dry months

Summary of current level

71%
of average levels

Total capacity

75,534 thousands of acre feet (TAF)

Average level historically

56,917 thousands of acre feet (TAF)

Current level

40,344 thousands of acre feet (TAF)

Statewide snowpack levels

Snow melt feeds our reservoirs & rivers

Summary of current level

1%of average peak snowpack

Nov 21Jan 22MarMayJulSepHistoric peak

Average peak snow water equivalent
from 1991–2020

25.3 inches

Current snow water equivalent

0.4 inches

Preparing for a new, drier normal

Weather extremes brought on by climate change have reduced our water supply. We are in a third year of drought and need to use less water.

Drought map

This map shows rain and temperature effects on moisture on a 12 month Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI)

12 month SPEIExtremely wetSeverely wetModerately wetNear normalModerate droughtSevere droughtExtreme droughtThis map of California illustrates severe drought conditions across the state.

Helping people now 

California’s long drought threatens many people’s access to clean, safe drinking water.

353,000Californians received state help for drinking water problems in 2021
$92 milliondistributed to California communities (in 26 counties) for drought-related projects

The state is working to give access to clean water for all.Find drought assistance

Drought help spotlight

Emergency water delivery

Jorge Aguilar of Self Help Enterprises delivering water in Visalia, CA.
Jorge Aguilar of Self Help Enterprises delivering water in Visalia, CA. Photo credit: Edward Ortiz. March 2022.

When the wells of rural communities go dry or get contaminated, the state has water delivered to them. Here is Jose Aguilar of Self Help Enterprises bringing water to a community in the Central Valley. The State Water Board funds this project, providing water Californians need to survive in areas most stricken by drought.

What the state is doing

Here’s how California government is taking action:

  • Giving agencies the tools they need to tackle the drought emergency
  • Addressing long-standing water challenges
  • Securing vital and limited water supplies to sustain our state into the future

View all actions

How you can help

Use less water

It is critical that Californians work together to save our water. That’s why we developed the Save Our Water campaign. More clean water makes the world a better place for our children and future generations.

Visit Save our Water

Do your part

The Governor asks that Californians cut their water use by 15% from 2020 levels. We’re not yet meeting that goal.
3.7% of 15% goalReduction in use from 2020

Take these tips

View all water saving tips

Person sweeping alt.

Around the yard

Learn some simple habits to reduce water use outside your home.

Person sweeping alt.

Tips to prepare your yard for the summer

Find the steps you can take in spring to help maintain a beautiful, water-wise yard all year long.

State actions against drought

Governor Gavin Newsom called on local water suppliers to move to Level 2 of their contingency plans. This would help conserve water across all sectors. He also asked that a ban be considered on watering decorative lawns at businesses and institutions.
The State Water Board adopted new regulations to prohibit water waste in response to the ongoing drought emergency. They went into effect January 18, 2022.
Governor Gavin Newsom extended the drought emergency statewide. He further urged Californians to step up their water conservation efforts as the western U.S. faces a potential third year of drought.

View all actions

WATER CONSERVATION TIPS

conserve water

Saving Water (Indoors)

  • Take 5 minute showers.
  • Purchase a low flow shower head.
  • Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Fix all leaky faucets.
  • Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait 30 minutes. If the food coloring seeps into the bowl, you have a leak.
  • Wash only full loads in the washing machine.
  • Wash only full loads in the dishwasher.
  • Capture tap water. While you wait for water to get hot in the shower or sink, catch the flow in a bucket or bowl and use this water for your house plants or garden.
  • Avoid taking baths. If you must fill your bathtub, try to fill it only halfway. A full bathtub uses 36 gallons of water.
  • Replace fixtures. Old fixtures tend to be inefficient. There is a good chance you can save water by replacing old fixtures.

Saving Water (Outdoors)

  • If rain is in the forecast, turn off sprinklers two days before the rain and keep them turned off for at least 48 hours after rain has stopped.
  • Check your irrigation system. Repair leaks, replace damaged sprinkler heads, and adjust sprinklers to avoid over-spray.
  • Do not hose down driveways, patios, stairs, or walkways. Use a broom or blower instead.
  • Don’t leave the hose running while washing your car. Use a nozzle with an automatic shut off and a sponge and pail of soapy water.
  • Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Two inches of mulch will help hold the moisture in the ground and cool the root systems. Leave a six inch space between mulch and plant.
  • Set your lawn mower blades higher. Set a blade heights at 2 or 3 inches. Longer grass blades will reduce evaporation and shade the roots.
  • Step on your grass and see if it springs back when you lift your foot. If the grass springs back, no need to water today.
  • Use a pool cover for your swimming pool. This can reduce evaporation.
  • Install a drip irrigation system. A low-volume water irrigation system uses less water.
  • In the winter, water your landscape only one day a week.
  • Retrofit your garden with drought-resistant plants or permeable landscapes. A great way to save money retrofitting your garden is with the Town’s Cash for Grass program. View the attached information to find out more.

EYE ON WATER

eye on water logo

 

Keep track of your water use with Eye on Water. It is free to register and it will help you know if there are leaks in your home. Visit www.eyeonwater.com and register your free account today.  >>Click here for sign up instructions!

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