by BRINLEE VUOLA
Staff Writer
For many years now, California’s water supply has been scarce and the state has stayed in a drought state; there are many unfortunate cities in this state, such as Porterville, who have been forced to live with little to no water. Just yesterday, Visalia Times Delta published an article announcing that Visalia has entered what they call “Stage 2” of water restrictions. For those who may not understand, this is what that means.
A lot of the water underground has been dried and scarce, which was one of the main reasons for the drought to have started in the first place. Beginning today, sprinkler systems will only be allowed to run twice a week to water people’s yards, and it goes by address. Addresses ending in even numbers will be allowed to run their sprinklers Wednesdays and Sundays, while addresses ending in odd numbers will run their sprinklers Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, residents must run their water before 8am or after 6pm, not any hours in between. When it comes to water exiting through a hose or nozzle, there are no limits; however, if there is “measurable rainfall,” as Visalia Times Delta words it, all watering is prohibited. Even restaurants with the cool mists flowing near padios on hot summer days are prohibited since they only serve as “human comfort” and not a necessity. Hotels cannot provide drinking water unless it is requested by their guests, and they also must give guests the option to not have their towels laundered daily. Fines for breaking any of these rules range from $125 to $625 depending on the seriousness of the issue and if it was the first, second, or third fine received.
All these rules are expected to be followed and last until November 30th.