SACRAMENTO– With California in a severe drought, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) today approved additional emergency regulations to increase water conservation by water providers and their customers. Amy Talbot, Water Efficiency Program Manager for the Regional Water Authority, which represents 22 water providers in the Sacramento region, issued the following statement.
“The Regional Water Authority and local water providers share the State Board’s overall goal to reduce water use and appreciate their efforts to educate the public about ways to conserve water, especially outdoors where most water use–and water waste–occurs. Landscape water use, in particular, plays a large part in the Sacramento region’s overall water consumption, which is why water providers here for many years have been focusing on promoting water efficiency outdoors.”
The emergency regulations require the following:
Actions for the public/businesses:
- No landscape watering during or 48 hours after rain
- Restaurants/bars can serve water only upon request
- Hotels/motels must offer guests the an option to reuse towels and linens
Actions for water suppliers:
- Water providers that do not currently restrict watering days must limit irrigation to two days per week or modify their water shortage contingency plans to restrict watering days.
- Must notify customers of leaks
- Must report compliance and enforcement efforts to the State Water Resources Control Board, as well as the number of days landscape watering is allowed
“Most of the Sacramento region’s water suppliers are already in compliance with the requirement to restrict watering days. All have been actively encouraging customers to limit landscape watering as a fundamental method for reducing overall water use. And, the Sacramento region has responded, reducing water use by nearly 20 percent in 2014 compared to the previous year.
“In addition, the Regional Water Authority and many water providers have been partnering with local restaurants, providing free table toppers and window clings that remind customers about the need to conserve. We look forward to continuing this and other partnerships during the drought and beyond.
“Water providers are committed to helping their customers conserve water, and many offer free programs and rebates to help residents reduce water use. For more information, including watering restrictions for each agency, as well as tips for conserving water at home or work, contact your local water provider or visit BeWaterSmart.info.”
About the Regional Water Authority: RWA is a joint powers authority representing 22 water providers and affiliates in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources.
