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Porterville council approves three‑day watering plan for summer, directs monitoring
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to implement Phase 2 of Porterville’s water conservation plan for the summer months — allowing three mandatory watering days per week — with staff to monitor system stress and return to stricter limits in the fall if needed.
The Porterville City Council voted 5‑0 to implement Phase 2 of the city’s water conservation plan for the summer, moving from Phase 4 (the more restrictive winter schedule the city had been operating under) to a mandatory three‑day outdoor irrigation schedule by odd/even addresses.
Assistant City Manager Mike Knight presented the staff report, explaining that the city had been operating under Phase 4 through the winter and that hydrologic indicators and recent rainfall (TUI subbasins received about 90% of average rainfall) supported easing restrictions for the summer. Staff recommended either Phase 3 (two days per week) or, alternatively, Phase 2 (three days per week) to provide greater flexibility during the hotter months while preserving the city’s long‑term conservation goals. Staff proposed that the seasonal schedule be effective June 1 through September 30, with a return to Phase 4 for fall and winter.
Councilmembers expressed support for Phase 2 while asking staff to continue monitoring system production and groundwater levels. Councilman Rivas asked that staff notify the mayor and vice mayor immediately if system stress indicators emerge; staff pledged to provide status updates and to bring back an item for council consideration if conditions change. Councilman Beltran said the action reflected long‑term investments in a diversified water portfolio, and councilmembers noted the last comparable three‑day schedule was in about 2014–2015.
The council motion to implement the staff’s alternative (Phase 2) passed 5‑0. Staff said the schedule would take effect June 1 and run through September 30, and the council asked staff to return in September (or earlier if conditions warrant) to reassess and to provide the required public notices for any future changes.
The council also stressed continued enforcement of no runoff and adherence to address‑based watering days and hours. Staff reiterated they would provide monthly status updates to council and would bring forward any necessary adjustments if production or groundwater indicators showed system stress.
