Officials called the statewide savings the latest sign Californians understand the seriousness of the state’s historic drought, now in its fourth year. Utilities serving San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco said savings far exceeded the goals from the state.
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Despite being the hottest June on record, Californias urban water suppliers exceeded the statewide conservation goal, saving 59.4 billion gallons (182,151 acre-feet), as compared to the same time in 2013. But May’s 29% reduction was partially driven by relatively wet, relatively cool weather.
Data released by the State Water Resources Control Board shows 265 of the 411 local agencies in the state hit or almost reached the savings targets implemented after Gov. Jerry Brown ordered an overall 25 percent savings.
Ed Casey with Friedman’s Home Improvement hands out a bucket filled with water conservation tools and literature during the Sonoma County Water Agency “Drought Drive Up” event on July 22, 2015 in Sonoma, California.
Here are the other local conservation numbers, based on water district. While 65 percent of water districts met conservation targets, the Water Board announced that it is starting to crack down on those that fell short.
The state water board will require those agencies to take new steps to encourage conservation in the coming weeks.
In June, Nevada City approved a resolution that establishes mandatory restrictions to conserve potable water, limiting the watering of outdoor landscapes to no more than two days per week.
Many Northern California water districts passed with flying colors.
Enforcement action against water wasters soared; the Board reported 43,942 water waste complaints in June, up from 28,793 in May. Violation of a conservation order carries a penalty of as much as $500 a day.
California ReLeaf has partnered with Save Our Water, a coalition of the California Division of Water Assets and Affiliation of California Water Businesses, to launch a marketing campaign informing residents about correct tree care in the course of the drought.
Arborists are also nervous that if a robust El Nino brings a moist California winter, already distressed timber will collapse when a storm hits.
It’s encouraging to see that Californians are not just highly aware of the gravity of the state’s water shortage – they are doing something about it. The level of concern was reflected in one poll released this week that showed the drought had surpassed jobs, the economy and education as the No. 1 issue for state residents.
“There are stories in each of these communities, and we are going to talk to them first”, Marcus said.
“They are significantly off the mark, and we need to get them back on track”, Gomberg said. “If it happens, we’ll celebrate”.
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Sammy Roth writes about energy and water for The Desert Sunday.
