Posted by: thepinetree on 04/23/2015 10:20 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 04/23/2015 10:21 AM
Expires: 01/01/2020 12:00 AM
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State Issues Draft of Emergency Drought Regulations
San Andreas, CA...If the latest draft of statewide water restrictions is approved, the Calaveras County Water District would be required to reduce its water use by 32 percent this year, when compared to the same time period in 2013. This is up significantly from the initial draft, which called for a 25 percent cutback. While the District is supportive of Gov. Edmund G. Brown’s efforts to reduce statewide residential water use by 25 percent during this unprecedented fourth year of drought, it’s important to achieve that goal through ground-tested policies and equitable regulations....
“We’re taking an active role in this process by submitting comments to the State Board and advocating for a locally adaptable program,” said Dave Eggerton, CCWD general manager, adding that the feedback is due by April 22. “We understand that this drought is very serious. The State Board must craft a method to meet Gov. Brown’s order to reduce statewide residential water use by 25 percent and yet preserve equity for a broad spectrum of communities across the state. One size won’t fit all.”
In 2014, CCWD customers reduced their water use by 18 percent when compared to 2013. The District ranked in the top 10 percent of the nearly 400 water suppliers that have been required to report to the State on their conservation efforts over the past year. This was a huge accomplishment, and the District is thankful to have customers who are willing to make the changes necessary to save water. However, there is an even bigger challenge ahead. The State Water Resources Control Board regulations for water “cuts” will not be ultimately decided until the first week of May. It remains to be seen what the final regulations will say, but whether they require CCWD to conserve 25 percent, 30 percent or even higher, the District must comply. Water districts face up to $10,000 per day fines for noncompliance along with potential administrative actions to stop waste and unreasonable use of water.
While District customers have to make difficult choices when cutting back on outdoor and indoor water use, the District faces a significant revenue reduction because successful conservation efforts mean the District sells less water but has the same amount of infrastructure to maintain.
“It’s sort of like a business that is suddenly required to sell a third less of its merchandise, and yet keep the store open just as long, keep the lights on and pay for all the utilities just as before,” said the CCWD’s spokesperson, Joel Metzger.
Despite the various challenges the drought and the proposed conservation mandates present, the District is committed to doing its very best to help its customers and the communities in the area adapt to this unique set of challenges. To ensure that CCWD meets state conservation requirements, the District is examining adjustments to its own mandatory Stage III Water Conservation Measures. The Board of Directors will likely consider staff recommendations on water conservation at its May 13 meeting, depending on when the State completes its process.
Customers can now pick up an array of free water conservation supplies at their local hardware stores, or at the CCWD headquarters. Free supplies include: toilet leak detection dye tablets, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, soil moisture meters, automatic hose shutoff timers and five-minute shower timers. Additionally, customers can take advantage of CCWD’s Water Conservation Rebate Program that includes financial assistance for customers to purchase low-flow toilets, smart irrigation controllers, irrigation efficiency upgrades and high efficiency clothes washers. The District is also redesigning its website, which will widely expand water conservation information and educational materials.
The District has also joined with all other major water suppliers in Calaveras County to form a regional effort called “Calaveras Conserves”. The group is working together to address common challenges, and there is no greater pressing challenge than the drought. Keep an eye out in the next few weeks, Calaveras Conserve signs will be placed throughout the county urging residents to “Use Water Wisely” and pointing them to www.calaverasconserves.com (launch expected by May 1). The website will serve as a landing page for anyone interested in learning more about water conservation in Calaveras County. Every water district will be represented on the page, and people will be able to easily find information about the mandatory water conservation measures in their area.
The District is doing everything it can to help customers during this drought, but reaching the goals set by the State Board cannot be achieved without help from the community.
“It’s critically important that we continue to have an effective conservation program,” Eggerton said, “and that all our customers and the visitors to our county join us in helping conserve our water resources during this time of prolonged drought. More than ever, every drop of water counts, so use it wisely.”
For more information, go to www.ccwd.org
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