SANTA PAULA : Council Requires Low-Flow Fixtures

The Santa Paula City Council ordered the use of low-flow water fixtures in new developments and warned that it will outlaw some types of water waste, but officials say the city will not adopt water rationing in the near future.

Despite the record drought that has parched much of the state, Santa Paula has adequate supplies for its 26,000 residents “for years and years,” according to Public Works Director/City Engineer Norman Wilkinson.

But the council on Tuesday directed Wilkinson, with the help of Santa Paula Waterworks, the city’s water retailer, and the United Water Conservation District, to draft a plan for rationing should it become necessary.

The city draws all of its water from a deep ground-water basin, leaving it in better shape than areas that rely on mountain runoff, streams or shallow coastal basins.

“The aquifer is at a historic low, 48 feet below the surface, which means we have to be concerned,” Wilkinson said. “But it does not yet mean rationing.”

At Wilkinson’s recommendation, the council approved an ordinance requiring that ultra low-flow toilets and shower heads be installed in new buildings. The toilets use 1.6 gallons or less with each flush, compared with five gallons or more for conventional fixtures.

Council members voiced support for a ban on flagrant water waste, and directed Wilkinson to prepare an ordinance listing outlawed practices. He said the law will be ready for enactment in a few weeks.