Tag Archive for: Water Conservation

San Diego County Mostly Winning its Bout With the Drought

Although California’s governor has made overtures to conserve water, most of the water districts in San Diego County are already ahead of the game.

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently asked everyone to try to conserve up to 20% of their water as the state endures another drought. The Sweetwater Authority in San Diego’s South Bay area, however, said it’s 200,000 customers are already ahead of those savings.

“We’ve been able to manage this drought pretty well so far because of our local investments and local resources,” said Doug Roberts, a program manager for Sweetwater.

Newsom Urged Californians to Cut Water Use by 15%. In February They Saved Less Than 1%

Total water usage in California cities and towns decreased by just half a percent in February compared to the same month in 2020, a far cry from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s goal of reducing urban water use by 15%.

Figures released this week by the State Water Resources Control Board showed that even during a third year of drought, Californians have been slow to step up conservation efforts.

Sweetwater Authority Encourages Continued Water Efficiency and Applauds Customers’ Ongoing Efforts

Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority continues to encourage customers to use water wisely and efficiently. On March 28, Governor Newsom called upon water agencies in California to activate their Drought Response Plans to higher levels of water restrictions to mitigate concerns of the long-term drought impacting our state. Because of the hard work and water efficient lifestyle that Authority customers have always embraced, we are already meeting the 20 percent water reduction associated with higher levels of the Drought Response Plan.

Governor’s New Water Saving Order Will Have Minimal Effect on San Diego

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Monday calling for increased water conservation after the driest first quarter in California’s history, but the San Diego region will be largely spared.

Newsom called on local water suppliers to move to their Level 2 drought plans, which anticipate shortages of up to 20% and could include restrictions on watering in many parts of the state.

 

‘Continue With Our Water Conservation Practices’ | Californians Aren’t Conserving Enough Water

Even with our recent storm, San Diego County is still well below our average for rain this year. And as bad as the drought conditions are here, in Northern California they are even worse.

As a result, Governor Gavin Newsom just issued an executive order that moves the state into a stricter level of water saving, but he’s allowing each local district to set its own rules.

“We’re going to continue with our water conservation practices,” said Jeff Stephenson, Water Resources Manager with the San Diego County Water Authority. “We’ve ramped up our messaging and then directing people to our conservation programs.”

What Newsom’s Drought Actions Mean for San Diego

It rained almost two inches over Monday night in certain parts of the San Diego region, but the drought is not over. In fact, Jeff Stephenson, water resources manager at San Diego County Water Authority, said residents should consider turning off their sprinklers for the next seven days.

Of the six levels of emergency actions taken during a drought, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday moved California from the first to the second level. That means local water suppliers must act like supplies have dipped by at least 10 to 20 percent, as CalMatters explained.

But he isn’t requiring everybody to cut water use by the same amount across the board. This time he’s letting cities and jurisdictions trigger their local plans for action during drought prepared back in 2020.

Newsom Imposes New California Water Restrictions — Leaves Details to Locals

As a dry summer looms, California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered water suppliers across California to step up their local drought responses, but fell short of requiring water rationing or setting a statewide conservation target.

Despite pressure from experts urging a strong mandate, the order leaves the exact conservation measures up to the urban water providers and major water wholesalers that supply the vast majority of Californians. It does not affect agricultural water providers, or the small water systems that are especially vulnerable to drought.

Governor Calls for Increased Conservation in Response to Statewide Drought

March 29, 2022 – “Governor Newsom issued the fifth in a series of executive orders March 28 asking Californians to increase water conservation, while at the same time allowing every local water supplier to determine where additional water-use measures are needed and set rules accordingly. This strong but measured approach for locally appropriate actions will provide aid and assistance to areas of the state that are most suffering the impacts of drought, while maximizing flexibility where warranted by local conditions. The Governor’s approach is especially insightful because it acknowledges and rewards past investment in water conservation and local supply development, as Californians come together to address the real-world impacts of our changing climate.

LADWP Water Conservation Rebates Increase Amid Drought

Amid a historic drought in California, water conservation rebates were increased by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Thursday, offering residential customers $500 rebates for high-efficiency clothes-washer purchases and $250 for water-efficient toilet purchases.

The rebates were previously $400 for high-efficiency washers, which use up to 55% less water than standard ones. According to the DWP, the more efficient appliances can reduce water use by more than 11,000 gallons per year.

DWP’s rebates for water-efficient toilets were previously $150. Rebate eligible toilets use more than 30% less water than standard models.

Otay Water District Selects Instagram Photo Contest Winners

The Otay Water District selected four winners in its New Year-themed Instagram photo contest as part of its campaign to encourage water-saving efforts during the statewide drought. One is an Otay Water District customer, and three others live within San Diego County.

The four talented photographers put their skills to use, helping to make their community’s residents and businesses more aware of the need to save water.