Willits City Council OKs water conservation measures

It may be raining now, but Willits officials aren't taking any chances.

On Monday night, the City Council unanimously voted to implement mandatory conservation measures that limit residents to watering their outdoor landscaping three days a week. Watering also is prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

"It's better to be safe than sorry," said Willits Mayor Holly Madrigal. She noted this week's rainfall is not expected to be sufficient to offset dry conditions.

The city's two reservoirs have dipped slightly below the trigger point — 470 acre feet — for the phase two, mandatory conservation measure.

Residents previously were asked to voluntarily conserve water and many have been, Madrigal said.

The new requirement limits people at even-numbered addresses to watering outdoors on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Residents of odd-numbered addresses may water only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. All watering is prohibited on Mondays.