California is in its third consecutive year of drought. Despite precipitation early in the season in October and December 2021, the first three months of 2022 have been extremely dry, with no significant relief in the forecast. In response, the Governor issued Executive Order N-7-22, which puts in place the implementation of Phase 2 of the California's Drought Management Plan. 

Consistent with the Governor's order, water customers in the City of Martinez must reduce water use by 15% as compared to the same billing period during 2020. To encourage customers to meet the 15% reduction requirement, the City Council will consider temporary drought surcharge pricing adjustment of up to $0.88 per unit (748 gallons) resulting from the Governor’s Executive Order. Customers meeting the 15% reduction requirement will experience a reduction in the water bill compared to current billing levels, thereby incentivizing them to conserve. Residential customers using less than 200 gallons per day averaged over the billing cycle are considered to be efficiently using water based on district wide typical customer use and will be credited the pricing adjustment.

The City Council will be holding a public hearing on July 6, 2022 to consider approval of the recommended surcharge.

Under California state law, all property owners and customers of record may submit a written protest to the proposed rate changes. Mailed protest must be received by July 6, 2022. Only one protest per parcel is permitted. All written protests will be verified. Please use this form. 

You may also appear at the public hearing to be held on July 6, 2022, at 7:00. You can find more information about how to participate in the hearing using the following link: Meetings and Agendas | Martinez, CA (cityofmartinez.org) . 

In preparation for the establishment of the Drought Management Plan, residents of the City of Martinez are encouraged to begin practicing efforts in order to reduce water waste. As part of the Drought Management Plan, prohibited outdoor water practices will include:

• Watering resulting in excessive flooding or runoff
• Watering between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Washing using hose without a shut off nozzle
• Washing paved or hard-surfaced areas
• Filling non-recirculating fountains/ponds
• Watering within 48 hours after rainfall
• Watering more than two days per week
• Watering newly constructed homes without drip or micro-spray systems 

Resources: 

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Water Conservation Tips
• Mailed Notice to Water Customers

Information:

• Contra Costa County Water District Drought Management Update (May 18, 2022)
• Staff Report on Establishment of a Temporary Drought Surcharge and Drought Management Plan