Temporary 50 percent reduction in outdoor irrigation urged during shutdown

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD) is asking customers to reduce outside irrigation by 50 percent as it and other water agencies in the San Diego region will have imported water service discontinued for 11 days, from Nov. 11 to 22.

FPUD’s water wholesaler, the San Diego County Water Authority, will perform maintenance, inspection and repairs on the pipelines.

To give the district enough time to fill the reservoirs prior to the onset of the shutdown, FPUD is requesting all residential and commercial customers reduce outside irrigation, beginning at noon on Monday, Nov. 10 until noon on Saturday, Nov. 22. These customers should receive a postcard in the mail this week, outlining these dates and this request.

FPUD is leaving it up to the individual customers to decide how to reduce their outdoor irrigation by 50 percent – whether they want to water for shorter periods of time or reduce the number of days they irrigate. Farmers and agricultural customers have already received letters in the mail outlining the dates and giving them special instructions for irrigating more heavily prior to the shutdown.

FPUD has 11 reservoirs, including its 440-million-gallon Red Mountain Reservoir. FPUD imports virtually all its water. During the shutdown, FPUD will be relying solely on stored water.

Everyone will still have water delivered to their homes and can still flush toilets, run their dishwashers and washing machines, and shower as they normally would. But since 60 percent of the average home’s water usage is actually outdoors, FPUD is asking for the increased focus on outdoor irrigation.

With conservation efforts, the shutdown shouldn’t be noticeable or present any problems; however episodes of low pressure could occur during times of heavy watering.

The Water Authority intentionally chooses winter and early spring for shutdowns as the weather is typically colder and wetter, minimizing the need for irrigation. During a shutdown in February 2006, uncharacteristically hot weather resulted in growers irrigating as if it were summer and water supplies were quickly depleted.

FPUD’s website will have regular updates on the system and available water supply. Customers with questions or concerns may call the district office at (760) 728-1125, and press 7.