2014 Drought Preparedness: Foothill MWD Seeks Extraordinary Conservation

On April 25, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown made his second proclamation of the year reiterating that California is in a continued state of drought emergency.  His announcement comes before the historically drier months of May through September.  Many areas of the state will be challenged to meet their water needs which prompted the Governor to call on all California residents to refrain from wasting water and to recognize the importance of conserving water.

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), the regional water importer that supplies Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD), has made significant investments in storage programs that protect the FMWD service area (Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge and La Crescenta-Montrose) from a shortage in water supply.  However, it is anticipated that MWD will receive little to no water from the State Water Project this year.  A large portion of the storage to make up for the restrictions on this imported supply could be gone by the end of this year.

These investments in storage have paid off for now, but an increased effort to conserve water will help to extend its value over the next coming years.  It is of vital importance that we use water wisely and increase our self-sufficiency while we work to improve how the state water system works.

The following tips are provided by FMWD to encourage the community to reduce their water use:

OUTDOOR TIPS:

• Limit outdoor watering of lawns and landscaping to no more than two times a week.
  
• Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Choose climate appropriate and drought-resistant trees and plants.
• Avoid using water to clean sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and other hardscapes.
  
• Check sprinkler systems frequently and adjust sprinklers to avoid unnecessary overspray.
• Install a more-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Adjust irrigation controllers, seasonally.
• Water more frequently in shorter schedules to create healthier and stronger landscapes and reduce overspray and run-off.
• Put 2-4 inches of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weed growth.
• Limit vehicle washing at home by patronizing local carwashes that use recycled water.
  
• Turn off fountains and other decorative water features.

• Use the washing machine for full loads only to save water and energy.
• Purchase a qualifying high efficiency clothes washer and receive an $85 rebate.
• Run the dishwasher only when full to save water and energy.
• Install a water and energy efficient dishwasher.
• Install aerators on the kitchen faucet to reduce flows to less than 1 gallon per minute.
• Install high efficiency shower heads.
• Take five minute showers instead of 10 minute showers.
• Fill the bathtub halfway or less. 
• Install a high-efficiency toilet.
• Install aerators on bathroom faucets.
• Turn water off when brushing teeth or shaving.
• Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket.

Recreational facilities, such as city parks and golf courses, and large institutional complexes, such as schools, business parks and campuses, should immediately implement water reduction plans to reduce the use of potable water for outdoor irrigation.

Commercial establishments, such as businesses and restaurants, should take steps to reduce water usage and increase public awareness of the drought through measures such as offering drinking water only upon request and providing customers with options to avoid daily washing of towels or sheets.

Take advantage of water saving rebates at www.fmwd.com/conservation.aspx or www.socalwatersmart.com that include:

     - High Efficient Clothes Washers

     - Low Flush Toilets

     - Turf Removal

     - Rain Barrels

     - Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers

     - Hot Water Recirculation System

     - Flow-Sensing Shut-off Device

     - Soil Moisture System

For more information about the drought, please visit www.bewaterwise.com or www.saveourh2o.org

Foothill Municipal Water District provides imported water to Crescenta Valley Water District, La Cañada Irrigation District, Mesa Crest Water Company, Valley Water Company, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, Las Flores Water Company and Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association.  Kinneloa Irrigation District, another retail agency, takes no water from Foothill.