Manteca’s population is up by over 1,300 residents since last September.

That’s just under a 2 percent gain.

Water use, though, barely rose  as it inched up by just 0.3 percent.

As such, it marks the third straight year September per capita water use has fallen despite the city gaining almost 4,000 residents

The September water use report issued last week by the City of Manteca Public Works Department placed water consumption at 478.931 million gallons last month.

That compares to 477.102 million gallons in September 2021 and 470.355 million gallons in September 2020.

The monthly use report was released just as it officially became legal again in Manteca water three days a week based on even and odd addresses.

The City Council adopted the first reading for an ordinance that ended the two-day a week rule several months ago.

Under state law, it takes 45 days after the second  reading for a new ordinance to go into effect. City officials opted not to enforce the  old rule in the meantime.

Elected city leaders have committed to a continued effort to reduce water use due.

And even though this winter is expected to be above normal and California’s reservoirs are at 125 percent average, the state warned last week that within two years or so a number of water agencies, irrigation districts, and  cities in the state are likely to face orders to reduce water use due to continued issues on the Colorado River basin and long-term changes in the state’s hydrology.

In regards to landscape watering in Manteca:

*It is allowed on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at street addresses ending in an even number.

*It is allowed  on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at street addresses ending in an odd number.

*It is banned at any location between the hours of noon to 6 p.m. on any day.

*Is prohibited at all locations and all times on Monday.

*It is not allowed during and within 48  hours following measurable (at a minimum any amount of rainfall that generates runoff or puddles) rainfall.

The following areas — and/or situations — are not subject to watering limitations:

*All locations within 30 days of new landscape installation.

*Manteca public golf course, city parks, the City Hall complex, and Manteca Unified School District landscaping.

*Private parks or other landscaped areas larger than four acres.

*Landscape irrigation exclusively using drip irrigation and/or micro spray irrigation systems.

The washing or vehicles and boats are not allowed except:

*By use of a quick-acting positive shut-off nozzle on the hose or a bucket and sponge.

*At a commercial car wash.

Other restrictions include

*Restaurants can only serve water at the request of a customer.

*Irrigation water is not allowed  that causes water runoff onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures.

*Using potable water in decorative water features that do not recirculate the water is not allowed.

*Hotels and motels must offer their guests the option to not have their linens and towels laundered daily, and prominently display the option in each guest room.

*The washing of sidewalks, driveways, patios, parking lots, aprons or other non-landscaped exterior ground area using water is not allowed, except for the purpose of maintaining the area in a clean, safe and sanitary condition.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com