East Bay residents fill up on recycled water in Dublin

DUBLIN, Calif. (KGO) -- New restrictions are now in place for greywater giveaways after overwhelming demand in the East Bay. On Sunday, Pleasanton residents were busy filling up.

Most of the lawns on Melanie Circle are green because they're being watered from a tank that holds free recycled water from the Dublin San Ramon Services District. The giveaway that was once available to everybody now has some new local restrictions.

"I'm going to keep my garden alive," said Pleasanton resident Ed Rutter.

Rutter filled up 20 orange buckets with free recycled water. He says it's worth the trip and the trouble.

"The toughest part is waiting in line, which they have improved upon recently," he said. "The other thing is you get a good workout."

And those lines have been epic outside the Dublin San Ramon Services District headquarters, with people hauling in giant 300 gallon water tanks most every day.

Spokesperson Sue Stephenson says the water giveaway started last year to help residents cope with the drought. But recently, folks from all across the Bay Area have come to fill up. So now there are some new rules.

"We're almost too successful," she said. "Now we are limiting it to residents who live in Dublin, San Ramon, and Pleasanton," she said. "That's the areas we serve."

You must show ID to get a registration card for free water.

San Ramon resident Travis Valpoon filled up his tank. He invited ABC7 News back to his house to see the secret to his emerald green lawn. He's even got a sign that says, "Recycled water keeps this water green" to prove he's not a water waster.

"Free green lawn and you don't even have to pay for it. So, you know, what could be better?" he asked.

Pleasanton resident Tony Morris says he often makes eight trips a day for free water just to help his neighbors out during the drought.

"We co-oped and bought everything and they just pay the gas," he said. "Just to keep the neighborhood green."

Free recycled water; a pretty good deal during these hard times.

To learn how much water your city is required to cut back, click here. For water rebate information from Bay Area water suppliers, click here. And click here for tips on how to conserve water. To learn more about how to report water wasters #WhereYouLive, click here.

For full coverage on the drought, click here.