Water Shortage Contingency PlanThe Apple Valley Foothill County Water District's Water Shortage Contingency Plan acts as a step-by-step guide to prepare for and handle water shortages caused by droughts, natural disasters, or broken pipes.

Key Parts of the Plan

• Six Shortage Levels: Plan use six standard stages to measure water loss, ranging from a minor 10% shortage to a critical 50% or greater shortage.

• Annual Checks: The district must review their water supply and customer demand every year to spot potential shortages early.

• Emergency Rules: The plan explains how the district will respond to sudden system failures, earthquakes, or fires. 

Common Water Saving Rules

When a shortage stage starts, suppliers often ban specific uses of drinking water:

• Watering outdoor plants so much that water runs onto the street or sidewalk.

• Washing cars with a hose that does not have an automatic shut-off nozzle.

• Cleaning driveways and sidewalks with a hose.

• Watering outdoor landscapes during or within 48 hours of measurable rain.

• Serving drinking water at restaurants only when a customer asks for it.