Menlo Park Municipal Water moves to stage 1 drought emergency

Published on April 11, 2022

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On March 1, 2022, the City Council declared a drought emergency under stage 1 which requires customers to reduce water use by 10% and prohibits the follow water uses:

  • Applying water to outdoor landscapes that cause more than incidental runoff
  • Washing vehicles without an automatic shut-off nozzle
  • Washing impervious areas unless it addresses an immediate health and safety need
  • Irrigating turf and ornamental landscapes within 48 hours of measurable rainfall (1/4” of rainfall) - does not apply to trees
  • Using/filling/topping off decorative fountains, lakes, or ponds with potable water unless pumps recirculate water
  • Irrigating turf on public medians
  • Using potable water for street cleaning or construction site preparation purposes unless no other method is available or as needed to protect the health and safety of the public
  • Hotels and motels shall provide guests an option whether to launder towels and linens daily
  • Restaurants and other food service operations shall serve water to customers only upon request
  • Broken or defective plumbing and irrigation systems must be repaired or replaced within a reasonable period, not exceeding seven days
  • Recreational water features shall be covered when not in use
  • Newly constructed homes and buildings must irrigate with drip or microspray only

Also under stage 1, customers will see a drought surcharge on their monthly water bills beginning July 2022. The less water customers use, the less impact the surcharge will affect their bill.

As the drought conditions continue to worsen it is possible that Menlo Park Municipal Water may move into a stage 2 drought emergency outlined in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan by summer 2022. All water customers are encouraged to continue to conserve water by doing their part to reduce water use and to take advantage of the City’s water conservation programs.

For more information on the drought and water conservation programs visit menlopark.org/drought.

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