Jul 3, 2008 10:08 am US/Pacific
Newsom Issues SF Water Conservation Orders
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / KCBS) ―
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive directive to all city agencies, telling them to stop wasting water.
The order also bans new lawns on city property.
It has been a very dry year all over the state of California, and while conservation is still voluntary for San Franciscans, this executive order to city departments is not. Newsom is expecting all departments to cut water usage 10%, including irrigation.
City officials like Yomi Agunbiade, general manager of San Francisco's Recreation and Park Department, are confident that the mission can in fact be accomplished without "browning" the city.
Any water leaks on city property must be repaired, sprinkler systems fixed, and brooms instead of hoses will be used for sidewalk cleaning.
In addition to trimming its own water usage, the hope is that the city will set an example, and be able to encourage residents and private businesses to conserve water as well.
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