De Luz farmers asked to reduce irrigation during aqueduct shutdown

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Public Utility District has asked its largest agricultural farmers in De Luz to reduce irrigation by 30 percent as it and other water agencies in the county will have some imported water services discontinued, Nov. 3 to Nov. 15.

The utility district’s water wholesaler, the San Diego County Water Authority, will perform maintenance, inspection and repairs on the some of its pipelines, including the one that serves De Luz, during that period.

FPUD has nine storage tanks and imports virtually all its water. During the shutdown, FPUD will be relying mostly on stored water in their tanks to supply the De Luz area. Since the area is shaped by peaks and slopes, water must be pumped uphill to reach many properties there. During times of heavy watering, episodes of low pressure could occur, and water would need to be rerouted from other parts of the district.

Uncharacteristically, hot weather could intensify the issue, especially if De Luz growers irrigate heavily during this time. If that happens, FPUD may call on residential and other customers to conserve on outdoor watering during the shutdown.

The community will still have water delivered to their homes and can still flush toilets, run dishwashers and washing machines and shower normally.