For now, water conservation is voluntary, but that may change

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently announced that emergency water rationing is imminent because the state's water supplies are running low.

Following two years of below-average rainfall, low snow melt runoff and the largest courtordered water transfer restrictions in state history, the governor proclaimed a statewide drought, issuing an executive order for immediate action to deal with the crisis.

"Someday it may come down that water is only for drinking and indoor use," said Anne Dana, staff services manager for the billing section of the Ventura County Water and Sanitation Department.

With increasingly dry conditions statewide, communities are mandating water conservation and rationing, fire danger has grown, agriculture faces catastrophic crop losses, urban and rural economies have been harmed due to development restrictions, and drought conditions could degrade water quality in some regions.

If the drought continues, providers of water in Ventura County may impose water conservation measures.

Since local water is supplied by wells and by Metropolitan Water District, restrictions would occur only if MWD implements new rules, Dana said.

Some limitations are already in effect in some areas.

Using water to hose down driveways or sidewalks is already prohibited, and landscaping should not be irrigated between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Offenders will get a warning for a first violation and be fined for second and third violations.

If the water waste continues, the district has the option to restrict the amount of water the customer can use and even discontinue water service after five violations in a year.

"People need to be reminded that water is a limited resource necessary to sustain life," Dana said. "As water gets more expensive because it's more scarce, people will be reminded it's not an endless resource."

In the meantime, the county water agency continues to promote water conservation programs. Consumers can expect to see or have already observed water conservation messages on monthly bills regarding existing rules and regulations.

Sometimes, residents who live in areas managed by homeowners associations are caught in the middle of a dilemma. They may want to save water, but they are obliged to keep their lawns green to abide by association rules.

The department offers a free water survey program to commercial property owners, public agencies such as colleges and school districts, and to homeowners association leaders to help them reduce water use.

"A consultant will go on-site to look at their water usage and irrigation system to help them make improvements," Dana said. The water surveys are also available for agricultural customers.

The county water agency also offers a free California landscape training class to educate landscape contractors and property owners about drought-friendly plant species and show them new ways to conserve water.

The city of Moorpark has already has been working to conserve water at the 17 local parks, said Mary Lindley, director of the parks and recreation department.

Irrigation of park lawns is monitored and adjusted based on weather conditions, and sprinklers are checked to ensure that water isn't wasted on pavement.

"We've done a good job to be diligent to not waste water. The city has always been very aware of water, both from a conservation aspect and from general costs," Lindley said.