New Measures Enacted Requiring the Foster City Community to Conserve Water Amid Drought

For immediate release: June 13, 2022

Contact: Louis Sun, Director of Public Works, (650) 286-3270, lsun@fostercity.org

On Monday, June 6, the Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) Board declared a water shortage emergency and put into place regulations designed to conserve water throughout Foster City.

In accordance with the decision, District water may not be used for the following purposes:

  • Watering or irrigation of vegetated areas between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. except by use of a handheld device, hose equipped with an automatic shutoff device.
  • Watering or irrigating turf more than three days per week.
  • Filling any swimming pool or spa.
  • Operating, cleaning, or flushing any ornamental fountain or body of water.
  • Irrigation outside of newly constructed homes and buildings, unless delivered by drip or microspray.
  • Non-essential commercial, industrial, and public entity uses.

Additional new conservation requirements include:

  • Leaks or faulty sprinklers must be fixed within 24-hours of leaks being detected.
  • Decorative/recreational water features, such as fountains shall be covered when not in use.
  • Lodging establishments must offer opt-out of linen service.
  • No single pass cooling systems may be installed in new or remodeled buildings.
  • Unauthorized use of hydrants is prohibited.

“As our state and region continues to cope with the ongoing drought, it is imperative the Foster City community works together to conserve water,” said Public Works Director Louis Sun. “There are many simple steps that residents can take to reduce their water usage, and a variety of programs and opportunities exist to further assist in that effort.”

Water customers are always encouraged to go beyond requirements and to incorporate water conservation in their daily routines. Take simple steps such as washing only full loads of laundry and using pool covers to limit evaporation. Track your water usage by using the online water meter at: www.fostercity.org/publicworks/page/water-consumption-customer-portal to identify leaks and other water use spikes.

EMID put into place Code Sections 80.60.050 A, B, C, D, E, F and L at the direction of the California State Water Resources Control Board which required all urban water providers to implement their Level 2 Water Supply Contingency Plans.  It is consistent with the Governor’s Executive Orders and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission direction to water users to voluntarily limit their water use amid the ongoing drought.

More information about water conservation programs, including rebates for synthetic turf and lower consuming sprinkler heads and nozzles can be found on the City’s website at https://www.fostercity.org/publicworks/page/water-shortage-emergency-declaration. Strategies for saving water can also be found online at www.SaveOurWater.com.

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