Families will have to seek out other options to cool down other than the splash park at Mistlin Sports Park.

Under the proposed Water Conservation Program, the City of Ripon would discontinue the operation of city fountains and the popular water play feature.

“We have determined the current water being used (is) 1,500 gallons per day to 2,500 gallons per day,  depending on the temperature, length of use and the amount used,” said Director of Public Works Ted Johnston. 

In order to comply with Gov. Jerry Brown’s executive order calling for substantial water reduction and the State Water Board recently adopting emergency measures due to severity of the drought,  Ripon is needing to cut 36 percent of its potable water use.

“In the last month, the City has made progress and seen reductions up to 21 percent. There’s still a lot of work to do,” Johnston said. 

The Water Conservation Program would consist of operational changes. 

For starters, the City’s water system pressure would be reduced by 10 percent. 

Ripon has been maintaining a system pressure of 60 to 65 psi.  By reducing the water pressure, Johnston noted that the City could expect to reduce water use.

Expect city parks to soon lose some of its green luster.

The plan calls for reducing the watering of all parks and landscape by 15 percent. 

“This we have reduced the amount of water (used) to a bare minimum to keep the turf alive,” Johnston added. 

Ripon recently hired a water conservation coordinator to issue warnings as well as educate folks in violation of the water conservation ordinances. 

Water conservation workshops planned for once a month through summer are being planned to educate residents on how to conserve water. 

Signage such as banners and yard signs will be placed around town to further remind residents to conserve water.

Water conservation flyers have been placed inside utility bills. Elected leaders questioned if the mail is still an effective way of sending the message.

Councilman Jake Parks pointed out that more and more people handle the business of bills via Internet rather than direct mail.

Informational booths at events such as the upcoming balloon festival, Main Street Days and the Almond Festival would also help inform people of the latest changes.

In addition, the City would offer rebates on those looking to install smart irrigation controllers as well as low-flow shower heads.

For more information on water conservation, log on to www.cityofripon.org.