LAGUNA NIGUEL : Water Controls Start Despite Rainstorms

Recent rainstorms will have little effect on water controls for residents of the Moulton Niguel Water District, where lawn watering restrictions took effect this week.

Lawn watering will be limited to twice per week under a plan approved by the water officials last month.

Customers served by the district in parts of Mission Viejo and the community of Aliso Viejo may water only on Mondays and Fridays. District customers in Dana Point, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel may water only on Tuesdays and Fridays.

District Manager Jack Foley has a warning for customers who believe the recent rains have eased the need to conserve water.

“We’re saying the water situation is going to be terrible this year,” he said, “even with the new snow cap (from the storms). That is why we are not relaxing.”

The district has hired temporary workers to look for water wasters. There are no penalties for households that disobey the rules, but Foley said penalties will be enacted if customers don’t cooperate with the rationing plan.

Also, the Moulton Niguel water board will meet today to consider a new rate schedule that would impose additional charges on consumers who violate water-use rules.

Foley said the district also intends to set up an appeals system for those who believe they have been unfairly penalized.