On January 17, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown signed a proclamation of a state of emergency stating that 2014 was projected to be the driest year on record with snowpack at only 20 percent of the normal average as of the date of the proclamation. As the State’s drought continued, on April 25, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown signed a proclamation of continued state of emergency and requested Californians limit their water use for outdoor irrigation. With limited results from the prior actions, on July 25, 2014, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) approved Resolution No. 2014-0038 adopting California Code of Regulations title 23, section 863, 864, and 865 (Regulations) requiring restrictions on potable water usage for irrigation, water used for washing of sidewalks and driveways, any irrigation water causing runoff, and regulations requiring cities to implement their water conservation plan that restricts use of potable water for outdoor irrigation purposes.  The restriction went into effect on July, 28, 2014, and will be in effect for 270 days unless extended or repealed. To comply with these regulations, on July 31, 2014, Redlands City Manager authorized implementation of stage II of the city’s water conservation plan.

What are the mandatory watering restrictions?

APPROVED WATERING DAYS:

EVEN addresses: Even days of the month (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.)

ODD addresses: Odd days of the month (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.)

Further restrictions are as follows:

Stage II, Mandatory Compliance; Water Alert:

When implemented pursuant to subsection 13.06.040B of this chapter and noticed pursuant to subsection 13.06.040C of this chapter, the following restrictions shall apply to the use of water supplied by the city in addition to the recommendations of stage I:

1. Irrigation of lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, or other plants utilizing individual sprinklers or sprinkler systems is allowed only on an irrigation day designated by the city and is prohibited between the hours of twelve o’clock (12:00) noon and eight o’clock (8:00) P.M. However, irrigation is permitted at any time if:

• A handheld hose is used, or
• A handheld, faucet filled bucket containing five (5) gallons or less is used, or
• A drip irrigation system is used.
• Commercial nurseries, commercial farmers, and grove settings requiring twenty four (24) hour irrigation cycles, are exempt from stage II irrigation restrictions, but shall curtail all nonessential water use.

2. The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, aircraft and other types of mobile equipment is allowed only on designated irrigation days and is prohibited between the hours of twelve o’clock (12:00) noon and eight o’clock (8:00) P.M. Mobile equipment washing shall be done only with a handheld bucket or a handheld hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle for quick rinses. Notwithstanding the above, washing of such equipment may be done at any time on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash or commercial service station with wash water recycling facilities. Garbage trucks and vehicles to transport food and perishables are exempt from these regulations if the public health or safety requires frequent vehicle cleaning.

3. The washing or sprinkling of foundations or structures shall be allowed only by city permit. Regulations for such permit shall be enacted by resolution.

4. The refilling or adding of water to uncovered swimming or wading pools or spas is allowed only on designated irrigation days and is prohibited between the hours of twelve o’clock (12:00) noon and eight o’clock (8:00) P.M.

5. The operation of any ornamental fountain or other structure making similar decorative use of water is prohibited, unless the fountain or structure has a recycling system.

6. The use of water for irrigation of golf greens and tees is allowed only on designated irrigation days and is prohibited between twelve o’clock (12:00) noon and eight o’clock (8:00) P.M. The irrigation of golf course fairways is absolutely prohibited. The irrigation of golf courses utilizing treated wastewater or reused water is not subject to these prohibitions.

7. Restaurants shall not serve water to customers except upon specific customer request.

8. Failure to repair controllable leaks is prohibited.

9. Use of running water to wash driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, patios, tennis courts and other paved areas is prohibited.

10. Failure to prevent excessive runoff from irrigation activities is prohibited.

11. Use of water from fire hydrants is limited to firefighting and other activities necessary to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Redlands. The use of water piped from fire hydrants and sprinkled for construction purposes is prohibited.

To ensure compliance, the Plan has a three-stage violation process:  notice of noncompliance; warning of penalties; and imposition of penalties which will result in the issuance of a surcharge. The Plan states a surcharge of 25% of the customers commodity charge will be imposed on the customer’s next regular water bill. If water customers continue to waste water, a flow-restricting device may be installed at the meter by the city pursuant to California Water Code section 375. Further noncompliance could result in termination of service to the premise involved, pursuant to California Water Code section 35423.

It is important to note that the City has had no issue meeting the demands of its customers and is fully able to satisfy the demands of its customers throughout the next year. However, the Regulations require cities to implement its water conservation plan stage that requires mandatory restrictions and can penalize cities up to $10,000/day that do not adhere to Regulations. It is NOT the city’s intent to penalize people for overuse of water, but rather, educate them on efficient irrigation and suitable landscape for Redlands’ arid climate. Free water use analysis’ as well as incentives for water efficient products/conversions are available that allow customers to achieve water savings in ways that are specific to their needs.

Are their exclusions from the restrictions?

Yes. Irrigation is permitted at any time if:

• Non-potable water is used*,
• A handheld hose is used. or
• A handheld, faucet filled bucket containing five (5) gallons or less is used, or
• A drip irrigation system is used, or
• Commercial nurseries, commercial farmers, and grove settings requiring twenty four (24) hour irrigation cycles, are exempt from stage II irrigation restrictions, but shall curtail all nonessential water use.

The Night Light Run a perfect après holiday de-stressor

The kids are back in school and you know what that means…..the holidays are right around the corner. Halloween costumes are already hanging on store racks. Calendars will begin to fill up with cookie exchanges, kiddie concerts, good cheer parties and the fun filled winter sport called Christmas shopping.

But we here at the Chamber have something for you to look forward to … just plain old fun… with your friends, your family and even strangers decked out in neon gear, glowing with LED lights, glow sticks, bracelets head gear and face paint.  You can forget those extra calories, the broken toys, and drying tree and head out the Redlands Chamber NIGHT LIGHT RUN, December 27^th at 6:00 PM. The best part, you don’t even have to RUN, no sir, you can walk, skip, stroll, meander, push the kids in strollers, or pull them in wagons. If you really want to run I suppose you can but sadly the fun would be over way to fast so I recommend you just don’t do it!

The light show at the start/finish line at the Redlands Mall will be will dazzle the senses. The music will be positively rocking, guaranteed to get the juices flowing. And when the run is over you can join the revelers and visit the local downtown businesses to recap every step of the race, show off your original couture and discuss how ridiculous the guy at the next table looks. A coupon book will be given to every runner feature deals and steals.

Be a part of the fun, register on line a www:redlandschambernightlightrun.com or stop by the chamber office and register in person and get an early bird, smart person discount.

We’ll get you started on your race outfit by providing a T-shirt necklace, bracelet and ears or glasses, the rest is only limited by your own imagination.

For more information log on to www:redlandschambernightlightrun.com or call the chamber office at 793-2546.

Henry Bush Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning serving the Inland Empire since 1998

In 1898, Henry Fisher founded the Redlands Plumbing Co. and went into business installing, fixing and maintaining the relatively new luxury commodity that was indoor plumbing.

In the 1930s Henry sold the company to a relative, and by 1954 added “Heating” to the name. By the 1990’s, they were Redlands Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning.

Because they were doing work outside of Redlands, they decided to take on the name Henry Bush to make the name more inclusive for the rest of the Inland Empire.

While the industry has witnessed many changes over the century of service, Henry Bush Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning has lasted 113 years because they have earned the trust of customers on every job.

Whether it’s a job to fix a leaky faucet or retrofit an entire home with the latest energy efficient technology, you can trust that the job done right.

Henry Bush’s Home Energy Solutions help you save money on your electricity bill while making your home a more comfortable place to live.

• An energy efficient retrofit can reduce your home’s energy consumption by as much as 60%
• Qualified homes can receive over $4,000 in rebates from Energy Upgrade California for performing energy      efficient home upgrades.
• Every Henry Bush energy efficient upgrade combines efficiency and comfort, so you never have to sacrifice      one for the other.
• Every retrofit we perform reduces  energy consumption and reduces Carbon Dioxide Emissions.
• The Average California home operates at 55% capacity
• Our upgrades take a comprehensive approach to improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Henry Bush energy service specialists use a three step process to assess, retrofit and verify your home’s energy efficiency.

Step 1: Assessment & Planning

To start the process, an efficiency technician will come to your home and perform a detailed assessment of your home’s energy efficiency, including;

• Visual Inspection
• Air Leakage and Infiltration Testing
• Advanced Thermal Imaging
• Energy Usage Analysis
• Heating & Air Conditioning Performance Testing
• Lighting System Assessment
• Appliance Performance Assessment
• Renewable Energy Potential Assessment
• Rebate and Savings Assessment
• Water usage Assessment

After performing the assessment, your energy efficiency technician will create a report that identifies your home’s energy efficiency performance and potential.  From the report you and your technician will create a retrofit plan that improves your home’s energy efficiency and comfort while maximizing your project’s potential for rebates and savings.

Step 2:  Performing Upgrades

Henry Bush will manage the entire home energy upgrade process, from minor projects like sealing leaks through major upgrades like adding insulation and upgrading heating and air conditioning equipment.

Step 3: Verifying Improvements

Once your upgrades are completed, Henry Bush will verify the performance, efficiency and comfort improvements that the retrofit project has created to make sure you’ve received the best service possible.  They will continue to monitor your home’s performance for a year to make sure the improvements are working properly.

The Inland Empire is a beautiful place, but prone to some extreme temperatures. With highs that can reach 118°F in the valleys and lows of 5°F in the mountains, staying comfortable can ask a lot of your heating and cooling system. Services offered by Henry Bush to maintain your comfort include:

• Equipment Repairs
• Regular Maintenance
• System Performance Testing
• Energy Efficiency Upgrades
• HVAC System Upgrades
• Comfort Improvements
• Ducting Maintenance, Modifications & Improvements
• Aging Equipment Assessments
• Air Purifier Installation
• New Construction
• Remodeling
• And more!

Lots of things have changed since the introduction of indoor plumbing, but whether you need repairs, upgrades or new construction, Henry Bush is still your best service option offering;

• Emergency Plumbing Services
• Maintenance & Repair
• Drain Cleaning
• Residential, Commercial & Industrial Services
• Upgrades
• New Construction
• Additions & Remodels
• Re-piping
• Sewer Line & Septic Repair
• Water Heaters
• Tankless Water Heaters
• Leak Detection
• Water Filters
• Trenchless piping

The Henry Bush plumbers are craftsmen who know their craft, and craftsmen who take pride in their work.  Henry Bush plumbers and heating & air conditioning technicians on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year.

For the very best in experience, knowledge and capability for heating, air conditioning, plumbing or home energy solutions, contact Henry Bush at 1-800-257-5862, or visit the showroom at 429 Texas Street in Redlands.