San Jose's water restrictions set to expire today, extended through June
FILE - In this May 18, 2015 file photo, irrigation pipes sit along a dried irrigation canal on a field farmed by Gino Celli, who relies on senior water rights to water his crops, near Stockton, Calif. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
SAN JOSE, Calif. (BCN) - San Jose water use restrictions to help conservation efforts that were set to expire today have been extended through the end of June, according to the city's Environmental Services Department.
At its Tuesday meeting, the San Jose City Council approved prolonging the required reductions to June 30, city environmental services officials said.
The water restrictions aimed at reducing water use by 30 percent went into effect on April 21 and were set to end today, but the past year's rainfall hasn't been enough to recover from the drought, according to city environmental services officials.
The city has seen improved water levels through community savings, working with water retailers and rainfall from El Nino, according to city environmental services officials.
Residents and businesses have to continue complying with water restrictions for drinking water.
The limitations don't apply to gray water, which is used in baths and sinks, or recycled water, environmental services officials said.
The city's rules for outdoor watering limits the use of sprinkler systems to before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. on two assigned days of the week based on the property's address.
By watering during the cooler hours of the day, people can help reduce evaporation and allow plants more time to absorb water, city officials said.
Residents can only wash their cars with gray water or a facility that uses a recirculation system.
The state's water restrictions were supposed to end in February, but will now expire in October.
The state is expected to finish evaluating its water supply levels in the spring, and the State Water Resources Control Board is expected to propose updated water conservation target rates in May, city officials said.
Additional information on the city's water saving rules can be found online at http://www.sjenvironment.org/waterconservation.