Water Savings Fall Short Again

Roseville, Calif. – Customers in San Juan Water District’s retail service area reduced their October water use by 26 percent, which is 10 percent less than the agency is required to meet under the State Water Resources Control Board’s mandate. This brings our cumulative reduction to 36.2 percent since the mandate went into effect this June.

According to the State Board’s mandate, San Juan needs to reach an overall 36 percent reduction (compared to 2013) by the end of February 2016. Governor Brown’s recent executive order extends the statewide conservation requirements through October 2016 if drought conditions remain in January. The State Board will discuss the extension of these requirements during a December 7 workshop. 

“Our customers have worked hard to conserve over the past five months, and we exceeded the 36 percent target during the first few months the mandate was in effect.  The cumulative total is now just barely above our required 36 percent conservation level,” said Shauna Lorance, general manager. “Now that we’re into the cooler fall months when our landscapes need little water, it will be even more difficult to achieve a 36 percent reduction.”

With the rainy season upon us, the District is reminding customers to take advantage of the rainfall to conserve water and turn off their irrigation systems. With shorter days, cool temperatures and rainfall, supplemental irrigation is no longer necessary. “There are also many ways customers can reduce their water use indoors this fall and winter, and the District offers rebates to customers for certain items,” said Lisa Brown, customer service manager. “We know that we are asking a lot of our customers during this drought, but we need their continued help in order to reach our reduction goal.”

Customers are encouraged to visit SJWD.org/Drought for more conservation tips and ways to save.