Roseville Urges Continued Smart Water Use

Roseville, Calif. – In light of the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) action easing the mandatory 25 percent statewide water conservation rules, Roseville is taking local control over water use efficiency.

“Our local water supplies have greatly improved.  Because of our diverse portfolio of supply, the new statewide requirements mean that Roseville water customers are no longer under emergency regulations,” said Jim Mulligan, water utility manager. “Even with a full Folsom Lake, water use efficiency is still imperative and a way of life for those living in California.”

Based on a water supply versus demand calculation now required, Roseville water customers will no longer have a state-mandated water use reduction target beginning June 1.  However, we are requesting customers to continue to use water efficiently by maintaining a 10 percent voluntary reduction goal through January 2017.

This voluntary reduction goal acknowledges that even though water supply conditions have improved locally, there are still areas within our state where drought conditions remain. Not to mention, we must be aware that one above average year of rainfall doesn’t protect us from future dry years, particularly as Folsom Lake will become even more important this year to help manage fisheries and water quality flows in the Lower American River and in the Delta.

Water use efficiency continues

Even with the voluntary 10 percent goal, statewide efficiency rules are still in place that prohibit washing down sidewalks with a hose instead of using a broom or a brush, or overwatering a landscape to where water is running off the lawn, over a sidewalk and into the gutter. Programs and rebates will continue at the same funding levels, so contact our water efficiency staff for more information.

Since outdoor water use continues to be the highest use in our area, we are recommending that customers’ watering schedule match the seasons.

• Between May and August, Roseville water customers are encouraged to maintain a three-day-per-week watering schedule for lawns.
• Drip irrigation is exempt from watering day recommendations.
• Under all watering rules, outdoor watering can only occur after 8 p.m. or before 10 a.m.

For questions or more information, please contact Environmental Utilities at 774-5761