SAN MARCOS, CA, July 16, 2015 -- The Vallecitos Water District of California congratulates its customers for taking steps to reduce their water usage by 31 percent in the month of June compared to 2013 levels. This equates to a reduction of 555.3 acre-feet of water, which could provide water for more than 1,100 families for one year. Customers also reduced water use 38 percent in May when compared to 2013 levels.
"We would like to thank our customers for making conservation a priority," said Betty Evans, president of the Vallecitos Water District's Board of Directors. "Unfortunately the drought is not over. The state's reservoirs are still very low and the mountain ranges are virtually bare of snow. It's imperative that our customers continue to conserve as the drought emergency will be in effect through February 2016."
Abnormally high rainfall and lower temperatures in May and June have likely impacted water savings, encouraging people to shut off their irrigation systems. Outdoor watering accounts for more than half of a typical household's water use in California. As temperatures climb, so does water use. This summer, the District is encouraging customers to follow these steps as an easy way to save large amounts of water:
- Follow all drought restrictions, including irrigating only two days per week, eight minutes per station.
- Inspect irrigation systems for leaks and broken, clogged or misaligned sprinkler heads.
- Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not where it is not needed. Stop watering when puddles or runoff occurs.
- Water trees and shrubs deeply and infrequently.
- Reduce foot traffic on stressed turf areas. Grass can survive during periods of drought, regenerating when water becomes available.
- Avoid planting in hot, dry weather, which can easily stress plants. Wait until autumn to plant new landscapes.
- Recognize that a landscape cannot look its best during a hot, dry summer.
See also:
"CA American Water Ventura County customers reach 27-percent water conservation"
"CA water district awarded Transparency Certificate of Excellence"
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