(Sutter Creek) Amador Water Agency is offering free water-conserving shower heads, faucet aerators and toilet conservation kits to AWA customers.
The low-flow devices are easy to install and use. The offer is good for one item per customer household, while supplies last, and can be picked up at the AWA office, 12800 Ridge Rd, Sutter Creek. Water-conserving devices are also available at local hardware and home improvement stores.
Also available is a do-it-yourself Home Water Audit that can result in significant savings in household water use. Home Water Audit brochures are available at the AWA office and at www.amadorwater.org.
“Many people can significantly reduce water use by simply repairing leaks or drips in faucets or pipes,” said AWA Assistant General Manager Cris Thompson. Customers can contact Amador Water Customer Service for assistance in locating leaks.
Thompson also reminds AWA customers that mandatory outdoor water conservation regulations are now in effect. Amador Water Agency Directors declared a “Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency” in July, which triggered water conservation measures required by the State Water Resources Control Board.
During the current water emergency:
•Water lawns and gardens only between the hours of 7 pm and 9 am.
•Any run-off or street flooding from outdoor irrigation is prohibited. No unattended watering except where automatic shut-off equipment is used.
•Washing sidewalks, driveways, patios, parking lots, and tennis courts with water is prohibited.
•An automatic shut-off nozzle or valve is required when washing cars and other vehicles.
•Drinking water used in decorative fountains must be recirculated.
•Emptying and refilling of swimming pools and hot tubs is prohibited. Maintaining pools, hot tubs and fire protection storage facilities at normal operating levels is permitted.
•Drinking water may not be used in scenic ponds and lakes except for the minimum amount needed to support aquatic life.
•Restaurants shall serve water to customers only upon request.
Conservation requirements also are in effect for industrial, raw water and irrigation customers.
Agency policy does not include fines for customers who waste water. $500 fines were widely included in media coverage of the state’s mandatory conservation declaration, but water agencies are not required to implement fines.
The AWA Customer Service desk, 12800 Ridge Rd, Sutter Creek, is open from 8 am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri, 209-223-3018. The AWA Water Conservation Policy, Water Emergency resolution and water saving tips are available at: www.amadorwater.org.
