Beaumont, CA utility updates water shortage plan
With extreme drought conditions plaguing California, Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) of Beaumont, Calif. recently updated its Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP).
BCVWD’s new WSCP, adopted by the Board of Directors on August 26, 2021 outlines six stages of emergency measures in the event of a water shortage or sudden disruption to the water supply. The levels, which are designed to build upon each other, include water reductions and additional conservation measures.
Water districts statewide are required to update their UWMP and WSCP every five years. The new plans are currently under review by the California Department of Water Resources.
The first stage would be implemented in the event of up to a 10 percent reduction in normal long-term water supply availability and a forecast of lower imported water resources over two years.
- Stage 1 – voluntary 10 percent reduction
- Stage 2 – mandatory 10 percent reduction
- Stage 3 – mandatory 20 percent reduction and limited landscape irrigation
- Stage 4 – mandatory 25 percent reduction and further limited landscape irrigation
- Stage 5 – mandatory 30 percent reduction and further limited landscape irrigation
- Stage 6 – mandatory 30 percent reduction and zero landscape irrigation (unless recycled water)
In California, customers play a key role in saving water, especially in dry seasons. In July, Governor Gavin Newsom called for voluntary water use reductions of 15 percent. However, Californians have only reduced water use by 1.8 percent over the last few months.
The district continuously monitors state drought conditions, conducts an annual water supply and demand assessment, and has plans in place for water shortages or other catastrophic events.
The Board of Directors recently adopted an updated WSCP and Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), positioning the district to respond to drought or emergencies.
BCVWD has the advantage of large water storage capacity in the Beaumont Basin and strategically purchases imported water in preparation for water shortage situations. The district currently has 39,750 acre-feet in storage.
“Over the years, BCVWD has tactically invested in projects that expand and diversify our water resources and ensure reliability,” said Vice President Lona Williams, on behalf of the Board of Directors. “Taking these steps and continuing to plan for the future is vital to ensuring a dependable supply for our customers and our region.”