FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Public Utility District is asking customers to conserve water as it and many water agencies in the San Diego region will have imported water service discontinued for 13 days, beginning Sun., Jan. 13 through Fri., Jan. 25.

FPUD’s water wholesaler, the San Diego County Water Authority, will perform routine maintenance, inspection and repairs on the pipelines.

FPUD is requesting all customers, and especially growers, irrigate heavily through Wed., Jan 9. This will allow the district three full days to fill its reservoirs prior to the shutdown. FPUD has 11 reservoirs, including its 440-million-gallon Red Mountain Reservoir.

FPUD is also requesting customers try not to irrigate again until Sun., Jan. 27, two days after the work is complete. This will allow the reservoirs two days to refill.

All customers received two letters within the last month requesting Advertisement

[ Murrieta Volkswagen ] their help.

FPUD imports virtually all its water. During the shutdown, FPUD will be relying solely on stored water.

With conservation efforts, the shutdown shouldn’t be noticeable or present any problems; however episodes of low pressure could occur during times of heavy watering.

The Water Authority intentionally chose January for the shutdown as the weather is typically colder and wetter, minimizing the need for irrigation. During a shutdown in February 2006, uncharacteristically hot weather resulted in growers irrigating as if it were summer and water supplies were quickly depleted.

Although warm weather is not anticipated, in the event of excessively high usage, customers not following strict conservation could have their water meters temporarily shut off.

FPUD’s website will have regular updates on the system and available water supply. Customers with questions or concerns may call the district office at (760) 728-1125.