Watch CBS News

Folsom Plans To Slash Watering, Offer Rebates To Reach 32 Percent Cut

FOLSOM (CBS13) — Several local communities are facing some of the harshest restrictions from the state under a water conservation plan that goes into effect next month.

The city of Folsom is required to cut water use by 32 percent. Residents have already dropped down to two days a week for landscape watering in Folsom.

Michelle Minney enjoyed a pleasant afternoon with her daughter, Olivia, at Kemp Park, but what she's been used to for years is about to change.

"I just feel like if we are in a drought we need to conserve water regardless of the situation," she said.

The city is stepping up to the drought plate after the State Water Resources Control Board laid down the law, ordering steep water cuts starting June 1. The city plans to cut one-third of its park watering.

"I would expect there probably is more, maybe more brown grass than dead, it just may be stressed more than some," Minney said.

Marcus Yasutake runs water conservation for the city and says along with parks getting less water, the city is making some big changes. Grass will be removed from more than 30 medians, and city buildings will be upgraded with water-efficient fixtures. Homeowners will be offered rebates to do the same.

Yasutake says $300,000 in rebates are available for homeowners to help pay for water-sipping washing machines and toilets. But will that be enough?

"That's always a concern because you don't because you don't know what type of demand you're going to get initially," Yasutake said.

Another big change will be at Kemp Park and two other parks—the water fountains kids play in will no longer run so kids can cool off.

It's something Minney says she will just have to deal with .

"We use it but we can go a couple of years without it, we can put a little pool in our backyard and that can swim in that," she said.

The rebate program will be available on May 15.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.