Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Porterville council narrows outdoor watering in winter, approves seasonal Phase 3 change
Summary
The City Council voted 4-1 to shift the city's water-conservation schedule so Phase 3 (two watering days per week) begins in May and Phase 2 starts in November; council members said the changes balance conservation with park and tree care.
The Porterville City Council voted 4-1 to transition the city's water-conservation plan so residents follow three watering days in summer and two watering days in winter, with the winter schedule starting earlier in November and the summer schedule beginning in May. The change amends staff's original timing and will take effect for the season specified in the staff report.
City staff presented the proposal as a seasonal adjustment intended to align outdoor irrigation with community needs and regional conservation demands. Director Alvarez said the plan "is structured to reduce overall residential water use, ensure reliable water service, and comply with state and regional conservation requirements." The staff recommendation had proposed moving from Phase 2 (three days per week) to Phase 3 (two days per week) beginning Dec. 1; councilmembers amended the dates to start Phase 2 in November and Phase 3 in May.
The council's discussion emphasized balancing landscape needs and infrastructure reliability with conservation. Vice Mayor McCurvey said the revised calendar better matches local evapotranspiration patterns and helps protect trees and parks. Council members also noted data from the prior year showing residents maintained conservation even after regulatory changes.
The final motion—amending the staff recommendation so Phase 2 begins in November and Phase 3 begins in May, and to return the item to council only if drought conditions warrant—passed 4-1. The council did not record individual roll-call votes on which members voted yes or no in the public transcript; the meeting clerk recorded the tally as "passes 4-1." The council directed staff to implement the seasonal schedule and to bring the item back if regional drought conditions change.
Background: the city's five-phase conservation plan ranges from voluntary measures to strict restrictions on outdoor irrigation. Staff told the council the phased approach allows the city to match irrigation rules to actual conditions while maintaining long-term reliability.
Council members asked staff to monitor water use and report back if changes are needed next season.
