San Marcos to Shut Off Splash Pads

Starting Friday, San Diego County will officially be under a Stage 2 Drought Alert, so San Marcos is cutting off one source of summer fun to help meet conservation rules.

The city plans to shut off water to five splash pads Friday, located in Sunset, San Elijo, Buelow, Mulberry and Discovery Lake parks.

Officials expects to save between 8,000 and 12,000 gallons of water every day – roughly the size of one of its community pools, which are still open.

But some parents are not going with the flow, since inland communities like San Marcos are sizzling during these unusually hot summer days.

For some, splash pads have become an oasis in the neighborhood since they are a free, close source of kiddie fun.

β€œIf it is not available to us, we will have to find other ways of entertaining our kids that will take a toll on our budget,” said Mayra Molano, a San Marcos parent.

A water-saving measure is sucking the fun out of one San Marcos summer activity. NBC 7’s Dave Summers explains why the city is shutting off five splash pads.

In addition to the splash pads, every city fountain that is not using recycled water will be turned off.

City officials say the splash pads must run off potable water to ensure the children’s health and safety.

The prohibition of the water playgrounds is indefinite in San Marcos.

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