Water Conserving Neighbors Keep An Eye On City Water Waste

The drought has definitely impacted the way Mid-City neighbors think about water and many residents who have adopted conservation methods, either by choice or to comply with mandates, are asking if public entities are doing everything they can to save water as well. 

“Aside from threatening and collection, I wonder what the role of the cities and the state will be in correcting their share of the problems,” said Mid-City resident Mavis Walter.

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ARE SCHOOLS PLAYING BY THE RULES?

Rachel Klimke lives in Arlington Heights, across from Johnny Cochran Middle School. She noticed the grass dried up over the summer but the school revived it by watering it at least once a day, for about an hour, around noon – all violations of the restrictions outlined by the city.

“It’s hard to watch an insane amount of water being used,” Klimke said.

After calling the school and not getting a response, she filed a complaint with DWP. She was relieved to see that whether it was a result of her complaints or not, watering finally stopped during the week of September 20th. 

According to Klimke, who ripped out her lawn, the school could use low-water grass or reclaimed water systems to set an example for residents. She recommends DWP’s $3.00-per-square-foot landscape incentive program.

“The city in general needs to be very serious about enforcing guidelines for watering in severe drought conditions and everyone should be held to them,” she said.

As of press time, Johnny Cochran failed to return TNN phone calls.

In order to avoid “sending Angelenos mixed messages about the crucial importance of conserving water" in August, Councilmember Mike Bonin called on the city to stop watering large lawns located on city property until they are replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping. According to DWP, many city-owned properties, such as golf courses, already use smart irrigation meters and other efficient water systems.

BROKEN EQUIPMENT

Walter has seen water spilling from broken freeway sprinklers all over town, including two near her freeway-adjacent home in Mid City. She reported one across the street from her house because it was leaking so much water it looked like a fountain. Upon assessment, DWP determined it was a sprinkler that belonged to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and forwarded the complaint. The leak was shut off within 24 hours. Although she feels agencies are responsive to complaints, she hopes for proactive maintenance whenever possible and faster response times.

Caltrans is in fact a customer of DWP, according to Patrick Chandler, a public information officer for the agency. Caltrans’ District 7 covers Los Angeles and follows guidelines imposed by 60 different utility companies in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. 

“Wherever there’s restrictions, we have to abide by that,” Chandler said. 

California governor Jerry Brown asked Californians to reduce  water use by 20 percent when he announced emergency drought legislation in February. Caltrans is aiming for 50 percent reduction since 75 percent of the water used by the agency is used to irrigate highway plants. The agency’s action plan includes delaying non-essential landscaping projects, using drought tolerant vegetation and smart meters, and ceasing watering in severe drought areas of the state. Caltrans will use reclaimed water for landscaping wherever utility providers provide it, Chandler said.

 “All public agencies…must comply with the ordinance, and all suspected violations are investigated and enforced by a member of our Water Conservation Enforcement Unit,” a DWP representative said.

Members of DWP’s Water Conservation Enforcement Unit respond to water waste complaints and drive throughout the city to observe water use. The staff ensures that all residential, commercial, and public customers comply with Los Angeles' Water Conservation Ordinance restrictions, including:

•Water their lawns no more than three days per week

•Do not use water on hard surfaces

•Irrigate landscaping between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m.

•Only operate fountains with a recirculation system

•Attend to irrigation leaks

•Serve water at restaurants only upon customer request

Customers who violate the rules stipulated in the ordinance are subject to the following penalty structure:

•First offense: Written warning

•Second offense within 12 months: $200 fine

•Third offense within 12 months: $400 fine

•Fourth and fifth offense within 12 months: $600 fine each

•After a fifth violation, the department is subject to install a flow-restricting device or terminate service

Caltrans and DWP both urge the public to pitch in whenever possible by reporting any water waste seen on freeways. Complaints for Caltrans can be filed online and through the maintenance services request line, at 213-897-4426. Upon receipt, the reports are entered into a queue and prioritized depending on urgency. It can take about three weeks to address a low-priority issue or it can take less than a day if a problem is of dire concern, according to Gary Gordon of Caltrans’ maintenance services department, who welcomes follow-up phone calls from customers.

To file complaints with DWP’s Water Conservation Enforcement Unit, send tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1-800-342-9357.

In the words of a Jefferson Park resident on the NextDoor.com community-based social platform: “Report their ass! And post it on Facebook. Tweet it loud and Tweet it clear!” According to DWP and Caltrans, they are waiting to hear from you.
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Established in August of 2008 by writerartist Dianne V. Lawrence, The Neighborhood News covers the events, people, history, politics and historic architecture of communities throughout the Mid-City and West Adams area in Los Angeles Council District 10.

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