Ontario WaterWise

Every Drop Counts, Keep Saving Ontario!                         

 

Ontario has stepped down to the voluntary stage of the Water Conservation Plan. Residents and businesses in Ontario are encouraged to continue to use water efficiently. The voluntary water use restrictions are listed below. Please visit the Programs and Rebates section of the website for more information on the water saving programs available to residents and businesses.

For questions, contact us at  [email protected]

 

Water Saving Tips

 

  • Install Aerators on Bathroom Faucets
  • Saves 1.2 Gallons per Person/Day
  • Install a High-Efficiency Toilet (1.28 Gallon per flush
  • Saves 13 Gallons per Person/Day
  • Install Efficient Shower Heads (2 Gallons per minute)
  • Saves 1.2 Gallons per minute 
  • Turn off Water When Brushing Teeth or Shaving
  • Saves 10 Gallons per Person/Day
  • Fix Leaky Toilets
  • Saves 30-50 Gallons per day/toilet
  • Wash Only Full Loads of Clothes
  • Saves 15-45 Gallons per load
  • Take 5 Minute Showers Instead of 10 Minute Showers
  • Saves 10 Gallons (with a water-efficient showerhead)
  • Check for Broken Sprinklers and Leaks
  • Saves up to 200 Gallons per day
  • Cut Back Irrigation Times
  • Saves 3-15 Gallons per minute per sprinkler head
  • Skip a Day of Watering
  • Saves up to 250 gallons per week

 

FAQs

Are there any non-permitted days for watering turf and other plants?

Ontario residents are encouraged to apply water to their landscape no more than every other day. Watering should take place before 6 am or after 6 pm.

Are there are any rebate programs available for removing turf and replacing it with drought-tolerant plants?

There is currently a rebate available for removing turf and replacing with drought tolerant plants. You can find out more information about this program by visiting the programs and rebate section of the website.

Is there a rebate available for replacing live turf with artificial turf?

There is no rebate available for artificial turf. The Turf Replacement rebate is available for replacing turf with drought tolerant plants.

Am I allowed to wash my car?

Under the current water restrictions, you are encouraged to wash your vehicles with an automatic shut off nozzle on the hose. Taking your car to the carwash is a much more efficient use of water and reduces the amount of run-off produced.

Where can I get free mulch?

The City of Ontario holds two mulch giveaways a year, please call (909)395-2633 for more information. In addition, the Waterwise Community Center gives away free mulch twice a month.

Voluntary Water Use Restrictions
  • Avoid hose washing of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas or other paved surfaces, except as required for sanitary purposes
  • Avoid using a hose for washing of an automobile unless equipped with a fitted shut-off nozzle
  • Public places (ie. restaurant) where food is served, should avoid serving water unless requested by customer
  • Avoid watering outdoor landscaping more than every other day and during the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM
  • Avoid causing or allowing water to be applied to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff
  • Promptly repair all leaks from indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures
  • Avoid using water to clean, fill or maintain levels in decorative fountains, ponds, lakes or other similar aesthetic structures unless such water is part of a recycling system
Resource Links

General Water Conservation Information

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Program

Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Chino Basin Water Conservation District

 

How to Landscape the WaterWise Way

Be WaterWise Landscaping

Water Conservation: Around the Yard

https://inlandvalleygardenplanner.org/

Free resource for planning a drought tolerant garden with plant pictures,  garden styles and plant lists.

Educator Resources
  • The Water Education/ Water Awareness Committee is awarding four $1,500 scholarships to high school seniors for submitting an essay on the following topic, "What do you think is the greatest threat to our water supplies in Southern California over the next 25 years? Why? How would you address those threats?" The deadline to submit an essay is January 23, 2020. Please visit usewaterwisely.com for more information.
  • Classroom visits and free water conservation classroom presentations are available to classrooms within the OMUC service area. Please call 909-395-2614 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
  • The Inland Empire Utilities Agency Education (IEUA) offers free fieldtrips and educational assemblies for schools in their service area. Please visit ieua.org/ to learn about the programs available through IEUA.
  • The Waterwise Community Center offers free fieldtrips to classrooms. Please visit cbwcd.org for more information.

 

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