A green lawn can become an expensive problem when sprinklers run at the wrong time, water flows into the street, or a broken irrigation line is left unrepaired.

The City of Torrance maintains several water-conservation requirements that apply throughout the year and become especially important during hot summer weather.

Outdoor watering with potable water is limited to no more than three days per week. Irrigation is also prohibited between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., when heat and sunlight can cause more water to evaporate before it reaches plant roots.

The city also limits watering to no more than 15 minutes per day for each landscaped area or irrigation station. Shorter watering cycles may be needed when soil cannot absorb water quickly enough to prevent runoff.

Residents should also avoid:

• Water running onto sidewalks, driveways, gutters, or neighboring properties
• Washing down paved surfaces except when necessary for health or safety
• Watering within 48 hours after measurable rain
• Operating damaged sprinklers or irrigation systems
• Allowing plumbing or irrigation leaks to continue unnecessarily
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Property owners who receive notice of excessive water use, a leak, or another malfunction are expected to correct the problem as soon as possible and no later than seven days after notification.

Residents can reduce waste by checking sprinkler heads monthly, adjusting timers as daylight and temperatures change, watering deeply rather than frequently, and replacing thirsty landscaping with climate-appropriate plants.

The city also provides a reporting page for residents who observe significant water waste. Before filing a report, however, neighbors may be able to resolve a simple issue—such as a misdirected sprinkler—through a courteous conversation.

Article Link: Review Torrance’s water-conservation requirements