Residents will face updated outdoor watering rules and expanded restrictions on water waste after the Oakdale City Council voted to move forward with a modernization of the city’s decades-old water conservation ordinance.
The council voted 4-1 on Aug. 17 to introduce and waive the first reading of amendments to Chapter 35, Article VI of the Oakdale Municipal Code. Councilmember Jarod Pitassi cast the dissenting vote.
The Water Conservation Program was originally established through Ordinance 982 in 1991, when drought conditions, excessive water use and limited supplies prompted the city to adopt restrictions, public education efforts and enforcement measures. City staff said the update is needed to bring the ordinance into compliance with subsequent state water-efficiency requirements and the State Water Resources Control Board’s “Conservation as a Way of Life” regulations.
Unlike emergency drought measures that come and go with water conditions, the amended ordinance establishes permanent water-efficiency standards.
Among the most visible changes are tighter outdoor watering schedules. Irrigation remains prohibited between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., but the permitted watering days are reduced. Odd-numbered addresses may water Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while even-numbered addresses may water Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Mondays were removed from the schedule for odd-numbered addresses and Sundays were eliminated for even-numbered properties.
The revised ordinance also more clearly defines what the city considers water waste. Prohibited practices include irrigation runoff leaving a property, watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall, violating watering schedules, excessive use of water, unnecessary washing of hard surfaces, using hoses without automatic shut-off nozzles, failing to repair leaks and operating decorative water features that do not recirculate water.
Rules governing hoses and vehicle washing were also expanded. The amendments specifically prohibit the use of hoses without automatic shut-off nozzles and add restrictions on washing vehicles, boats or equipment during prohibited watering days or hours.
One of the more significant administrative changes gives the Public Services Director, or a designee, authority to establish additional outdoor irrigation limits without returning to the council for a new ordinance each time conditions change.
Those administrative rules could reduce watering days, restrict irrigation during winter or other low-demand periods, temporarily suspend outdoor watering or make changes necessary to comply with state conservation requirements. Any such rules must be consistent with the ordinance and applied uniformly to similarly situated customers.
The city would also be required to provide reasonable public notice before new administrative watering restrictions take effect. Notification could include the city website, messages on utility bills or other customary methods.
The ordinance retains enforcement provisions and provides for escalating consequences for repeated violations. According to the staff report, enforcement can include notices, administrative penalties, installation of flow restrictors or discontinuation of water service for noncompliance. Customers retain the right to appeal.
Existing fees for water-wasting violations and appeal rights are not being changed, according to the staff report, although portions of the ordinance were rewritten for clarity.
The council also retains the authority to declare a water shortage emergency by resolution and impose additional restrictions when necessary to protect water supplies, public health and safety.
City staff warned that declining to update the ordinance could leave Oakdale out of compliance with state conservation mandates and reduce the city’s ability to effectively manage local water resources. Compliance also affects the city’s eligibility and competitiveness for water-related grant funding.
Staff estimated the ordinance will have minimal fiscal impact, with implementation handled through existing Public Works and Code Enforcement resources. Penalty revenue generated through enforcement is expected to help offset administrative costs.
With the 4-1 vote, the ordinance moves forward in the adoption process, marking the most substantial update to Oakdale’s permanent water conservation framework since it was established 35 years ago.
