On January 17, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown declared that California is currently experiencing a statewide drought emergency. Calendar year 2013 was the driest in recorded history for many areas of the state, and current conditions suggest no change is in sight for 2014. Many areas of the state will be challenged to meet their water needs which prompted the Governor to call for a 20 percent voluntary reduction in water use statewide.
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.
Find out what's happening in La Cañada Flintridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The following tips are provided by FMWD to encourage the community to reduce their water use:
OUTDOOR TIPS:
Find out what's happening in La Cañada Flintridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Choose climate appropriate and drought-resistant trees and plants.
- Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Check sprinkler systems frequently and adjust sprinklers so that only the lawn is watered.
- 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.
- Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and patios.
- Wash cars/boats with a bucket, sponge, and a hose with a self-closing nozzle.
INDOOR TIPS:
- Use the washing machine for full loads only to save water and energy.
- Purchase a qualifying high efficiency clothes washer and receive a $150 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.
Take advantage of water saving rebates at www.fmwd.com/conservation 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.
