Recent Rains Help Replenish Grand Terrace

In the midst of a drought, recent rains brought much needed water to the Inland Empire, and to Grand Terrace. The region saw historic rainfall thanks to remnants of former Hurricane Dolores. Saturday, July 18 began with widespread thunder and lighting, nearly overwhelming several communities with heavy rainfall by mid-morning. Riverside Highland Water Company General Manager Don Hough told the City News, "The region had as much as two inches of rain, with our rain gauge here at the office measuring a total of 1.1 inches of rain in Grand Terrace for the two-day storm." Rain is atypical for this time of year, he continued. "July is normally Southern California's driest month, with most years having no rain at all," Hough said. But in the middle of a statewide drought, the water was more than welcome. "This storm will help the drought situation because it will help recharge the aquifers. As late as Tuesday, July 21, there was still flow in the Santa Ana River at the Mt. Vernon Bridge in Colton," said Hough. Residents took notice, too, and did their part to preserve water. "We noticed that our water production did drop during and after the storm, so it appears many people did turn off their sprinklers, as they are supposed to do," said Hough. "But this storm does not indicate an end to the drought and we need to continue to observe the mandatory water restrictions." Governor Jerry Brown has directed the State Water Resources Control Board to adopt a program that will reduce water use statewide by 25 percent. Riverside Highland Water Company has been tasked with reaching 36 percent water reduction, amongst other water companies in the nearby area. Residents must adhere to existing restrictions for everyone, prohibiting the following: * Using potable water to wash down driveways and sidewalks. * Watering of outdoor landscapes that causes excess runoff. * Using a hose to wash a motor vehicle, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle. * Using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature that does not re-circulate the water. * Using outdoor irrigation during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation. * No draining and refilling of swimming pools; residents may maintain the level in the pool. All outdoor irrigation is restricted to no more than three days per week, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Grand Terrace customers located south of Van Buren Street - including Riverside County residents - and Grand Terrace residents located between Barton Road, Mt. Vernon Avenue and Preston Street have observable watering days of Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Grand Terrace residents located north of Van Buren and outside the area bordered by Preston Street, Barton Road, Mt. Vernon Avenue and Brentwood Street may water on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. Existing restrictions for businesses are: * Restaurants and other food service establishments may not serve water to customers without their request only. * Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of not having towels and linens laundered daily. The restrictions are subject to updating as needed or required by the state. Anyone with questions about water restrictions or would like more information may contact Riverside Highland Water Company at 909-825-4128.