RIVERSIDE, CA – On Wednesday, Dec. 1, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that the initial allocation for public water agencies in 2022 will be zero percent of contracted water supplies from the State Water Project (SWP). Many Southern Californians depend heavily on the SWP, which brings water from Northern California and makes up a portion of the region’s water portfolio.
Serving as a clear signal from the State, the decision reflects California’s severe drought conditions and the State’s objectives to prioritize deliveries for human health and safety needs and for the environment.
In response to the announcement, Western Municipal Water District (Western) is urging customers to step up water-saving efforts and support the State’s call to re-double efforts to voluntarily reduce water use by 15 percent.
“As we continue to hope for improved conditions, climate change is creating a new normal and we must all do our part to adapt,” said General Manager Craig Miller. “Adapting will require us to continue investing in the SWP, developing local water supplies and long-term storage, and making water efficiency a way of life.”
The communities and customers served by Western are no stranger to dry conditions; however, the declared shortage on the Colorado River coupled with the State’s lowest storage levels are creating unprecedented drought conditions, which underscores the importance for water-saving efforts to prevent mandatory water usage restrictions in the future.
While Western and its member agencies continue to make strides in water supply resiliency regardless of climate conditions, Western relies on and needs actions from customers to save water and help maintain a reliable, high-quality water supply today, and for future generations.
“One of the easiest ways for Western customers to save water is to dial back outdoor watering,” Miller suggested. “Save water by taking minutes or days off your irrigation schedule during these cooler months when your landscape is dormant and doesn’t need it.”
Western offers a variety of customer support programs that provide even more money-savings above standard rebates for replacing water-thirsty lawns and inefficient home appliances. Our programs also include free landscape efficiency surveys, easy-to-follow DIY landscape sample designs, and more.
To learn more about drought conditions and how Western is prepared to help customers, visit wmwd.com/Drought. Stay connected with Western on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for water-saving tips, enhanced rebate information, and all the Western water happenings.
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Western Municipal Water District is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County, providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly a million people, both retail and wholesale customers who live, work and play within 527 square miles in one of California’s most populous regions. Learn more: wmwd.com.