Despite an announcement last week saying state parks and beaches would be turning off their outdoor rinse showers Wednesday, some state beaches maintained by their respective cities are are finding other ways to conserve water in order to keep showers on.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation announced last week that rinse stations at state beaches and state parks across California would be turned off in an effort to meet Gov. Jerry Brown's 25 percent water use reduction mandate.
It is estimated that turning off the showers will conserve 1.2 gallons of water per use, and more than 18 million gallons of water a year, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
The department added that although the department already met the 25 percent reduction of water use mandate, some parks and beaches will have to take additional measures such as turning off sinks and replacing them with hand sanitizers, or by installing low-flow toilets and faucets.
One beachgoer Grant Watanabe said, "I understand with the drought they have to save as much as possible."
Since some state beaches are maintained by cities however, some beaches are opting for alternate ways to conserve water.
Instead of turning off rinse showers, Newport Beach has decided to turn off sprinklers in city parks and street medians.
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Beachgoer Danielle Wilson said, "It's just too long a drive to sit sandy and nasty all the way home."
The following state beaches in the department's Los Angeles District and Orange Coast District will have their rinse stations turned off effective Wednesday, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach
- San Onofre State Beach
- Doheny State Beach
- Bolsa Chica State Beach
- Huntington State Beach
The department suggests that people looking to clean themselves of sand or dirt use alternative methods like bringing a soft brush or towel to remove sand, or bringing a jug of water from home.
"The rinse stations shut-off will stay in effect through the drought," said Brian Ketterer Southern Field Division Chief for California State Parks. "State Parks will continue to maintain outdoor rinse stations for future use when water resources are more available."
