March 28, 2024
Inland Empire added to drought emergency
SACRAMENTO – (INT) – Governor Gavin Newsom Tuesday issued a proclamation extending the drought emergency statewide and further urging Californians to step up their water conservation.

The State Water Resources Control Board has banned the use of potable water for washing sidewalks and driveways.

The Governor issued an executive order in July calling on Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 15 percent compared to 2020 to protect water reserves and complement local conservation mandates.

The Board reports that in August, California reduced urban water use by 5 percent compared to 2020.

The proclamation adds the eight counties not previously included in the drought state of emergency: Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco and Ventura. In addition, the proclamation requires local water suppliers to implement water shortage contingency plans that are responsive to local conditions and prepare for the possibility of a third dry year.

Mandatory conservation

Directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will meet next month to consider asking its member agencies to implement mandatory conservation in their communities.

On a positive note, statewide per capita residential water use declined 21 percent between 2013 and 2016 and as of 2020, the urban sector is using approximately 16 percent less on average statewide than in 2013.
Story Date: October 22, 2021
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