The drought is over, but Sacramento wants you to reduce lawn watering permanently.
Sacramento has kept its twice weekly drought restrictions in place while other cities have eased rules.
Instead, the Department of Utilities wants to change the city’s water “culture.” “We’re transitioning between an emergency drought response to a long-term, sustainable and efficient water use culture in the city of Sacramento,” city utilities director Bill Busath said.
Drip irrigation systems that water trees, gardens and shrubs will also be exempt.
Residents would be able to wash cars any day of the week.
Busath said the department will scale back enforcement and focus on educating residents on how to use water wisely.
The city issued thousands of water use violations during the drought.
The Law and Legislation Committee is being asked to approve the new set of guidelines and forward the package to the full City Council for a future vote.
Ryan Lillis: 916-321-1085, @Ryan_Lillis Related stories from The Sacramento Bee Flood insurance rates could rise for hundreds of thousands of homeowners under proposal The water district wanted to hike rates 83 percent.
Sign up today for a free 30 day free trial of unlimited digital access..