MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Effective this July, Camp Pendleton residents will be required to follow new water conservation requirements to help the base become more water efficient during this time of regional drought.
In April, the San Diego County Water Authority declared a drought alert and mandatory eight-percent water restrictions that becomes effective July 1. As a result, Camp Pendleton is issuing a Basegram that will help the base to conserve its own internal water resources.
“This basegram provides conservation guidelines people can follow in their everyday lives with minimal disruption to their daily routines,” stated Jeremy N. Jungreis, director, Office of Water Resources, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “If we follow these guidelines, we will significantly contribute to the regional water conservation effort and protect Camp Pendleton’s valuable water resources.”
The combination of inadequate annual rainfall and imported water supply problems is responsible for the recent shortage.
The anticipated Basegram will limit all non-tactical vehicles to one car wash a week and will generally prohibit the washing of any sidewalk, driveway or outdoor paved surface. Base residents are encouraged to use brooms and brushes to properly maintain paved surfaces.
“There is a real water reliability issue in San Diego County, and Camp Pendleton is helping to alleviate those reliability concerns,” he added. “If things pan out as we intend them to, Camp Pendleton will be one of the leaders in the country in the use and reclaim of water and in overall water efficiency.”
Outdoor watering will be permitted between the hours of 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. three days a week. The basegram will also limit sprinkler use to ten minutes per station within designated irrigation times. Overwatering and wastewater runoff caused by landscape irrigation will be prohibited.
Residents are reminded to report any water leaks immediately to Camp Pendleton’s Facilities Maintenance Division at (760) 725-0587. Prompt reporting of leaks can prevent the waste of thousands of gallons of water each year.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to help address our regional water supply challenges,” reminded Jungreis.
Additional information, regarding water conservation on Camp Pendleton and in the San Diego Community, can be obtained from Camp Pendleton’s Office of Water Resources at (760) 725-3781.