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
Click on the link below for editable and downloadable signs for your business.
Request Water Drought Signs – English & Spanish
TOWN OF YOUNTVILLE RESOURCES
Latest News
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
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
- City of Napa
- City of American Canyon
- City of St. Helena
- City of Calistoga
- Town of Yountville
- CA Department of Water Resources
Additional Links
CALIFORNIA RESOURCES
See current conditions
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
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
12 month SPEIExtremely wetSeverely wetModerately wetNear normalModerate droughtSevere droughtExtreme drought
California’s long drought threatens many people’s access to clean, safe drinking water.
The state is working to give access to clean water for all.Find drought assistance
Drought help spotlight
Emergency water delivery
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
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.
Do your part
Take these tips
Learn some simple habits to reduce water use outside your home.
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
News
WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
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
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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Yountville, CA 94599
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