[Water_news] 2. DWR'S CALIFORNIA WATER NEWS: SUPPLY - 5/6/08

Department of Water Resources

California Water News

A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment 

 

May 6, 2008

 

2. Supply –

 

 

 

 

Editorial:

We need to concentrate on reducing water usage

The Desert Sun - 5/6/08

 

The threat of severe drought is near and desert cities must be part of the solution.

Californians, in general, are urged to conserve water now. Why? Because by 2015, water officials statewide predict Riverside County could be unable to provide drinking water to 360,000 people.

 

Residents can help the situation by watering lawns less, installing efficient irrigation systems and replacing grass with more drought-resistant plants.

 

Locally, we've all seen the streams of water flow through city streets due to overwatering of lawns, or inefficient sprinkler systems.

 

Local water districts can help property owners, including businesses, design landscaping that conserves water. Most districts offer tips, demonstrations and other information to help property owners transform their landscapes.

 

One tip is to install sprinkler systems a few feet inward so water doesn't land on the sidewalk and run into the streets. Rock, or desert plants, make an attractive display along the perimeter of a yard and help stop the runoff.

 

But because this is the desert, complete yards of desert landscaping makes sense. Residents should reconsider lawns all together. Developers should give strong consideration to installing only desert landscaping in all new developments.

 

Ongoing drought conditions and lower-than-normal snowpack have water officials around the state searching for ways to help their customers conserve. But property owners shouldn't wait for a mandate. Conserving water is the right thing to do now.

 

Water districts around the state are preparing for the shortage by planning mandatory conservation programs. This is a smart move because simply asking people to conserve may not be enough to meet the growing demands our population puts on the water supply.

 

Here in the valley, Coachella Valley Water District officials are considering a tiered billing system that would help conserve water within a year.

 

Based on other districts around the state, the CVWD could keep a base rate for the majority of its customers, but charge higher rates for customers who exceed normal use, according to a tier system. It's been successful in other districts around the state and deserves consideration in the Coachella Valley.

 

Meanwhile, we encourage residents to avoid overwatering lawns and consider making other changes in landscaping to conserve water - the desert's most precious resource.#

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/OPINION01/805060301/1026/news12