OJAI : State OK Expected on Water Rationing

Southern California Water Co. plans to start a strict water-rationing plan for its 2,710 Ojai customers if the proposal wins state approval today as expected.

Ted Ragsdale, conservation officer for the company, said the California Public Utilities Commission will probably approve the plan today. It would take effect May 1.

The utility supplies 80% of Ojai’s water, drawing from the city’s underground basin.

Under the plan, customers would be required to reduce their water use, compared to 1990, by 10% in May and up to 30% in late summer, but those figures could be changed, officials said. Cuts of up to 50% were planned before the recent rains, Ragsdale said.

Those who exceed their monthly water allotments would pay a penalty of $2 for every additional 748 gallons. Notices of the allotment amounts will be included with the May bills, Ragsdale said.

“We realize there are unique circumstances, and there will be many grounds for appeal and for adjustment,” he said.

Among other restrictions yet to be imposed on Ojai residents, such as a ban on hosing down driveways, the plan requires plumbing and irrigation leaks to be repaired within 72 hours.

Watering outdoor plants or trees would be prohibited between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. until Oct. 31, when irrigation could begin after 4 p.m. until March 31, 1992.

After one warning, the company could install flow-restricting devices on a customer’s line if a water company employee observes a rule violation.

Company officials said they will try to coordinate their program with a rationing plan that the Casitas Municipal Water District proposes to start in July.

The company has scheduled a public hearing on its program for 7 p.m. April 11 at 414 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai.