Residents of Beverly Hills were reportedly panicking over rumors that a pool ban may soon be enforced in the city.
Beverly Hills homeowners were alarmed at the thought that their backyard lagoons will be subject of a future pool ban that will be enforced by city officials, reports The Hollywood Reporter (THR). The idea has reportedly resulted to frantic residents calling offices of various landscape architects and pool builders. Bill Holloway from Pooltastic Designs told THR that their office experienced "one to two calls a week" from potential clients. The influx of calls, said Holloway, was "quite surprising."
However, Beverly Hills spokesperson Therese Kosterman confirmed to THR that it was just a "rumor." Kosterman further mentioned that residents are allowed to construct new pools provided that they meet the requirements. One requirement that the spokesperson shared was that Beverly Hills homeowners should be able to save an equivalent amount of water on another part of their home. Another option is for the homeowners to pay a water conservation fund fee wherein the amount to be paid varies depending on the size of the pool. Other mandates covering the swimming pools should also be adhered to, reminded Kosterman, such as the timing on when existing pools should be emptied and refilled. This reportedly should only be done when there is a serious health or safety issue.
The pool ban rumors started when a ruling was passed by the Laguna Beach City Council, stated THR. However, the restriction was reportedly overturned by the city council. Kathleen Ferguson, founder of Kathleen Ferguson Landscapes, told THR that the California drought has "people worried that the next step in conservation may involve cities placing moratoriums on future pools."
Meanwhile, the Beverly Hills City Council has recently approved stricter water regulations, according to the CBS Los Angeles. The modified water conservation program is aimed to support Governor Jerry Brown's mandate to reduce water use amidst the state's three-year drought, states city officials.
