The City of McFarland is asking residents to curb water use amid the Phase 2 water shortage

MCFARLAND, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — UPDATED: 24.06.12.22:23

The city of McFarland has been experiencing a stage 2 water shortage for some time now, and if you’re caught using water, you might just have to pay a fine.

According to a social media post made by the city, washing sidewalks, streets, yards and other paved surfaces is prohibited and will be fined.

The lack of drought is also limiting McFarland residents from using water for landscaping and washing their cars.

City Manager Diego Viramontes told Newswitness News that they have been under phase 2 for several years now.

A notice sent to residents serves as a reminder that it is still ongoing.

Viramontes said the city’s Browning Road wells have been an important source of water supply, but due to high nitrate levels, they had to be shut down in October 2023.

RELATED: City of McFarland warns of high nitrate levels in water, advises precautions for pregnant women and infants

A resident who chose to remain anonymous told News Witness that receiving a letter in the mail explaining the restriction made him upset.

“What’s one to do? Keep buying bottled water or going to those water shacks, why? We have water that we pay for every month, and they say we can’t drink it, so what’s the use?

He also believes code enforcement turns their attention to tickets on the west side of town rather than the east.

“They’re saying don’t use the water, but at the same time don’t drink the water, but the water bills are outrageous here in McFarland, charging us really high prices,” he added.

Another McFarland resident said that not only are they limited in their water use, but they are also paying for the pollution.

“When you take a shower, you have to wait a little bit because it’s dirt, it’s getting things out, even with warm water it’s the same,” said McFarland resident Lesli Perez.

Perez mentioned that she is a farm worker, but under the Code of Ordinances, farmers are exempt from the stage 2 work restriction.

But at home, she deals in high prices like everyone else.

“They pay you for the water, but now my concern is that they pay for the dirty water, so they have to figure out how to clean the water,” she added.

With the latest funding from the state, the city is working to install a temporary water treatment facility, hoping to help with its peak use in the summer months.

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The City of McFarland is asking residents to limit their water use as the city is in a Stage 2 Water Shortage.

The city of McFarland said in a social media post on June 10, “We kindly ask for your cooperation in this crucial effort to ensure the sustainability of our community’s water resources.”

A photo attached to the post said the following are restricted in accordance with the water conservation schedule:

• Water for landscaping
• Irrigation using sprinkler or sprinkler system
• Washing cars, trucks, trailers and other mobile equipment.

The city is asking residents to adjust their watering times to late evening or early morning.

The city said washing sidewalks, sidewalks, parking areas, patios, yards or other paved surfaces is prohibited.

Failure to implement the ordinance is punishable by a fine.

For more details on Phase 2 Water Conservation, click here.

The city said if you notice any water residue or leaks in public areas, report them immediately to the maintenance team at 661-792-3058.