By Eric Heinz
On July 7, California Department of Parks and Recreation announced it would shut off all outdoor rinse stations at state beaches effective Wednesday, July 15.
“California is facing extremely severe drought conditions,” California State Parks Director Lisa Mangat said in a press release. “It is important for all Californians to conserve water at home, at work and even when recreating outdoors.”
The press release also stated the department estimates that shutting off outdoor rinse stations will conserve more than 1.2 gallons of water per shower or rinse, possibly saving a total of more than 18 million gallons of water annually.
City of San Clemente officials said they will not shut off the rinse stations at the beaches the city maintains. The decision to do so would have to come from the City Council.
Although the outdoor rinse stations are shut off, the indoor public showers and indoor faucets at state beaches will still be operational.
State Park officials said they did not know when they would begin operating the rinse stations again, but the July 7 press release suggested instead of using the stations people should use a towel or brush to wipe away sand, bring water from home in a re-useable jug or use a pressurized sprayer or one of the newer pressurized portable showers.
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