[Water_news] 2. DWR'S CALIFORNIA WATER NEWS: SUPPLY - 4/4/08

Department of Water Resources

California Water News

A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment 

 

April 4, 2008

 

2. Supply

 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONSERVATION:

Lack of rain may force conservation measures - Santa Rosa Appeal Democrat

 

Desert Water Agency says conservation key to water users; It's customers' biggest concern, survey finds - Desert Sun

 

 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONSERVATION:

Lack of rain may force conservation measures

Santa Rosa Appeal Democrat – 4/4/08

By Bob Norberg, staff writer

 

North Coast residents may again be facing mandatory water conservation measures this summer because of low levels of water in Lake Mendocino.

But the restriction shouldn’t be as harsh as last year, when residents in Sonoma and Marin counties were asked to cut back by 15 percent, said Brad Sherwood, a spokesman for the Sonoma County Water Agency.

A year ago, the agency was under a state order to reduce the amount of water it took from the Russian River by 15 percent, stockpiling the water in Lake Mendocino for release during the fall salmon run.

There is more water in Lake Mendocino this year than last, but still not enough without spring rains to meet the needs of the salmon run, Sherwood said.

“Everybody in this building is hoping for more rain,” Sherwood said.

Residents were asked to reduce outdoor irrigation and cities were asked to use alternative water sources, such as wells, as much as possible.

The goal last year was to cut back 15 percent and save 20,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mendocino during the period the order was in force, which was July 1 to Oct. 28. The actual savings was 21 percent.

Lake Mendocino this year has 80,700 acre-feet, 9,000 acre feet more than last year, Sherwood said.

Without more rain, the district will again ask for water conservation from its customers, which are the major cities and water districts serving 600,000 people from Windsor to San Rafael. #

http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080404/NEWS/846314723/1033/NEWS&template=kart

 

 

Desert Water Agency says conservation key to water users; It's customers' biggest concern, survey finds

Desert Sun – 4/3/08

By William Avila, staff writer

 

Water conservation is a top priority for Desert Water Agency users, according to a recent study discussed at the agency's meeting Tuesday.

 

The findings are a prelude to a new water awareness campaign DWA will launch next month.

 

An opinion research company, with offices in Washington, D.C., surveyed 300 users on their opinions and perceptions of desert water issues and governing bodies.

 

The study, which was conducted late February to early March, shows that water conservation is the biggest concern among users in the DWA service area of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City.

 

Other answers among those surveyed showed:

 

A 76-percent approval rating of the job the DWA is doing.

 

58 percent of users said they consider their water above average in quality.

 

57 percent said citizens who waste water should be fined.

 

92 percent said they are conserving water at home.

 

In other DWA news, water used for irrigation at the DWA facility has dropped significantly since September 1 when the agency revamped its landscape.

 

A report shows that water usage is down roughly 75 percent compared to the same time last year.

 

In an effort to lead by example in water conservation, the agency recently removed its grassy landscape and replaced it with artificial turf and a desert-friendly garden. #

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008804030340

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