Stop Watering Like It's Summer, City Says

The Metropolitan Water District is scheduled to turn off the spigot of imported water to San Juan Capistrano next week – right in the middle of a heat wave.

As temperatures started rising this week, so did water usage, according to a press release the city issued today.

But, because of the shutdown, planned more than a year ago, city officials are requesting residents turn off their sprinklers.

“Even though the city has an adequate supply of water for regular needs, residents and homeowner associations are asked to increase their water conservation efforts during the upcoming weeklong imported water supply shutdown,” the release states.

The shutdown will start Sunday and continue through next Saturday. Advises the city:

Automatic sprinklers should be turned off for a week starting Sunday. Water your plants by hand, if needed. Keep in mind that most plants are dormant and do not need water more than a deep soaking once a month through the winter, if there's no rain. Be sure to delay or curtail water-using activities until the shutdown is over. Fix or report all leaks. 

Fortunately, temperatures are expected to cool off, dropping as much as 20 degrees in the next few days, the city reports.

“So with your help reducing peak use, the water production of the city's groundwater recovery plant, reservoir reserves and pumping wells will see the city through the shutdown,” according to the press release.