Tag Archives: California Drought

JCSD Shares Latest Drought Regulations

Achieve a mandatory 25% statewide reduction in potable water use

 

By Aileen Flores

Jurupa Valley – In response to Governor Jerry Brown’s recent Executive Order, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) released a draft of its latest drought regulations on Apr. 28.

The overall goal of the new restrictions is to achieve a mandatory 25% statewide water usage reduction.  Each urban water supplier will be required to meet a specified conservation standard based on their average gallons-per-capita-per-day (GPCD) for the months of July, August, and September 2014.  Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) and their customers would be mandated to meet a total 28% district-wide reduction in potable water usage, down from the 32% originally proposed by the State Water Board.

At a 28% water usage reduction, JCSD’s cutback is expected to be approximately 5,625 acre-feet (AF) (which is equivalent to 1,832,914,288 gallons).  JCSD’s service area has already consumed 1,345 AF to date.

The State Water Board’s most recent draft would require urban water suppliers such as JCSD to:

  • Meet water conservation standards through the reduction from both residential and non-residential users.
  • Ban the use of potable water to irrigate turf on public street medians.
  • Prohibit the use of potable water to irrigate newly constructed homes and buildings as established by the California Building Standards Commission.
  • Notify customers of a potential leak on their property.
  • Submit monthly detailed reports, starting with June 2015 metrics, to the State Water Board.

The State Water Board estimates the new regulations will go into effect May 15 and must be implemented by water urban suppliers by June 1, 2015.

All Californians are still prohibited from:

  • Washing down sidewalks and driveways.
  • Watering outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excess runoff.
  • Washing a motor vehicle with a hose, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
  • Operating a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is part of a recirculating system.

JCSD is currently in Level 2 (Drought Caution) of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP). The following Level 2 irrigation restrictions were adopted in August 2014 and continue to be in place, until further notice:

  • Residential and commercial ornamental landscape and turf irrigation is limited to four (4) days per week, which equates to being able to water every other day.
  • Residential and commercial ornamental landscape and turf irrigation is limited to the hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., for no longer than 10 minutes per station, per day.

Additionally, all leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of notification from JCSD.  Residential and commercial businesses are notified via door hangers or direct mailers regarding identifiable or reported leaks.

The following are currently exempt from irrigation restrictions, until further notice:

  • Functional sports and activity fields.
  • Residential or commercial ornamental landscape that use non-potable water.
  • Landscape that uses properly functioning water-efficient devices such as drip/micro irrigation systems, stream rotor sprinklers, and weather-based irrigation controllers.

The following are the State’s additional regulations that were implemented on Mar.  7:

  • Irrigating turf or ornamental landscapes during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation.
  • Restaurants and other food service establishments can only serve water to customers on request.
  • Operators of hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily and prominently display notice of this option.

Many conservation programs and services are in place to assist residential and commercial customers, which include rebates for water-saving devices (high-efficiency washers, weather-based irrigation controllers, rain barrels, etc.), turf replacement programs, free sprinklers, and educational workshops, and conservation events.  For more information about these programs visit the websites below or call JCSD’s Conservation Coordinator at (951) 727-8007.

For more information on how to increase your water-use efficiency, visit the following websites:

  • JCSD.us/Conservation provides a description of conservation programs offered by JCSD and partnering agencies. Here you will also find JCSD’s WSCP.
  • iEfficient.com is a collaborative conservation effort developed by water agencies and cities throughout the Inland Empire, including JCSD.
  • SaveOurWater.com is a partnership between the Association of California Water Agencies and the California Department of Water Resources.
  • BeWaterWise.com offers tips from Metropolitan Water District.
  • WesternTurfReplacement.com is a program that pays a rebate incentive of $2 per square foot of area that is replaced with water-friendly landscaping.
  • SoCalWaterSmart.com provides a listing of all the rebates that are available to JCSD customers and most water customers in Southern California.

Jurupa Valley: Funtional Turf Areas Will Undergo Overseeding

CITY OF EASTVALE
 
JURUPA VALLEY, CA (November 17, 2014) – At the beginning of each fall season, Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) overseeds lawn areas at Eastvale parks that appear to be “worn out.” As a result of California’s drought status and mandatory state and local ordinances, only functional turf areas such as sports fields are being overseeded. Ornamental turf at Eastvale Parks will not be reseeded.

The overseeding process requires additional water in order for turf to be re-established. Repairing heavily used areas help also protects the grass from irreparable damage. JCSD is committed to only using the amount of water necessary to ensure the reseeding process is successful. Overseeding is the process of planting grass seeds directly onto existing turf. As part of the process, grass seeds require constant moisture in order for it to take root or germinate. To ensure the newly seeded turf areas are successful, JCSD will be conducting additional watering cycles of newly seeded areas during the day for the next few weeks.

While there are certain watering restrictions during California’s emergency drought status, the restrictions are for ornamental landscaping and do not apply to functional landscape that that uses non-potable water or water-efficient devices that are operated properly. These water-saving devices include:

  • Drip/micro irrigation systems
  • Stream rotor sprinklers
  • Operation weather-based irrigation controllers
For more information about state and local drought regulations, please visit JCSD’s website at www.jcsd.us. If you have any questions about the overseeding process, please call JCSD’s Parks and Recreation Department at (951) 727-3524.

About JCSD
Founded in 1956, the Jurupa Community Services District is a public agency known as a Special District, governed by a five-member, elected, Board of Directors. JCSD serves over 107,000 people in a 48-square-mile region of western Riverside County in the newly-incorporated cities of Jurupa Valley and Eastvale by providing a variety of critical services such as water, sewer, street lights, frontage landscape maintenance, and graffiti abatement. JCSD is also responsible for parks maintenance and recreation programming within the JCSD parks territory. For more information, visit our web site at www.jcsd.us.

San Gabriel Vally: Water Supply Emergency Declared in SG Basin

Staff Reports

SGV – It’s no secret that we are experiencing a severe drought, and that water is in short supply, but the Main San Gabriel Basin water_drophas been pushed to record lows. Groundwater levels in the Basin will continue to drop if this coming winter does not provide above average rainfall and significant amounts of imported water used to replenish the depleted groundwater supplies are not provided by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).

The Board of Directors for the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District) has recently approved a resolution adopting a water supply emergency. This District provides wholesale water service, recycled water and groundwater replenishment supplies to retail water providers that serve all, or portions of, 18 cities including Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, Industry, Irwindale, La Puente, Monrovia, Rosemead, San Gabriel, South El Monte, South Pasadena, Temple City and West Covina.

This unprecedented action follows three consecutive dry years, with the winter of 2013-14 being a record dry year.

The Upper District’s Board President, Anthony Fellow, said that the recent action is necessary to continue the reliable and safe operation of the Basin’s water supply.

“Groundwater levels continue to hit record lows and weather forecasts predict continued drought-like conditions; the Upper District recognizes it is critical to reinforce the water conservation emergency regulations mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board in August, and also strongly supports Governor Brown’s call for all Californians to reduce their personal water use by 20 percent,” said Fellow.

The Basin is at a record low level of 182 feet above mean sea level as measured at the Key Well, located in Baldwin Park. Over 36 inches of rain is needed to make up for the current shortfall from the last three years. Even more is needed just to return to the low end of the safe operating range.

The Upper District states that without deliveries of imported water, and if the coming winter is as dry as last year, groundwater levels could drop another 20 feet or more. Many groundwater wells will lose production capacity (requiring longer operation times), and several will no longer be able to provide any water. The Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster is working closely with local water providers to update an emergency water supply plan to deal with this condition and get ahead of the issues before things become even worse.

“MWD will play a critical role in stretching its already thin water supplies to help San Gabriel Valley communities through this drought,” stated Fellow.

Maintaining the safe operating yield of the Basin is critical not only for the management of a reliable watershed, but also in containing the migration of contaminant plumes that are found in the groundwater. Per the Judgment entered into in 1974 by all water rights holders in the Basin, it is the Watermaster’s responsibility to maintain these safe operating levels and manage the Basin. Upper District’s actions support the Watermaster’s responsibility to manage the Basin and ensure that water requested for groundwater replenishment is delivered on the same terms and conditions as provided to other Metropolitan member agencies.

The Upper District’s mission is to provide a reliable, sustainable, diversified and affordable portfolio of high quality water supplies to the San Gabriel Valley, including water conservation, recycled water, storm water capture, storage, water transfers and imported water. The Upper District serves nearly one million people in its 144 square mile territory, using more than 78 billion gallons of water in the service area.

For more information about the Upper District, please visit http://www.upperdistrict.org or call (626) 443-2297.

Walnut Valley Water District Adopts Mandatory Conservation

WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

lake-oroville-reservoir

Lake Oroville reservoir in Northern California, seen here in early 2014, is at 30% of capacity. (Photo Courtesy: California Department of Water Resources)

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Water District Board of Directors voted at their August 18 meeting to adopt a Stage 1 Water Supply Shortage. This action comes in response to the state’s ongoing drought and the recently enacted emergency regulations by the State Water Resources Control Board establishing statewide mandatory water use restrictions. These enhanced restrictions become effective August 28. Stage 1 restrictions are intended to further curtail outdoor water use which accounts for more than one half of a typical family’s monthly usage.

Adoption of the mandatory conservation measures are a result of the serious statewide drought impacting the entire State of California. Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought-related ‘State of Emergency’ in January of 2014. Since that time, California has experienced one of the driest snowpack and fourth lowest runoff in 100 years. As a result, mandatory water conservation measures are being implemented throughout the state. Some of the conservation measures in the Stage 1 include:

Limits on Watering Hours: watering your lawn or landscaping is prohibited between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

  • Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks, or Malfunctions: All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the water user’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within five (5) days.
  • No Excessive Water Flow or Runoff: Watering any landscaped area cannot cause excessive water flow or runoff onto the sidewalk or street.
  • No Washing Down Hard or Paved Surfaces: Washing down hard or paved surfaces, such as sidewalks or driveways, is prohibited.
  • Limits on Washing Vehicles: Using a hose to wash a vehicle is prohibited, except by use of a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
  • Drinking Water Served Upon Request Only: Eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel, cafe, cafeteria, bar, or other public places, will not provide drinking water to any person unless expressly requested.
  • Option to Decline Daily Linen Services at Commercial Lodging Establishments: Hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments are encouraged to provide customers the option of not having towels and linen laundered daily.
Lake Oroville reservoir 2011 and 2014

Lake Oroville reservoir, seen here in 2011 (top) and in 2014 (bottom). The reservoir is one of the largest in California. (Photo Courtesy: California Department of Water Resources)

In 2009, the District adopted Ordinance No. 06-09-07, An Ordinance of the WVWD to Establish Water Use Efficiency Requirements and Water Supply Shortage Stages, to assist in managing our water supply. The ordinance has four stages, each with more progressively restrictive uses of water. The stages are enacted based on both short- and long-term water supplies and Board approval. WVWD for many years has encouraged voluntary conservation by keeping in effect since 2009 “Permanent Water Use Efficiency Requirements” that contained very similar restrictions as Stage 1 in preventing water waste.

When asked about the Board decision to adopt the mandatory water-saving measures, Board President, Barbara Carrera, noted, “Our District customers have done an excellent job using water wisely over the years. In light of the state’s current drought situation and the State Board’s recent adoption of the emergency conservation regulations, we must all take the extra step to save even more.” President Carrera went on to state that, “The District’s Board of Directors genuinely appreciates the efforts of all our customers to work together and save water wherever possible. Everyone working together to save water can make a very big difference in conserving our precious water supplies.”

The District’s customers for many years have reduced local water usage — we are asking for everyone to do a little more.

For questions about the new mandatory conservation measures or to learn more ways to save water, visit the District’s website at wvwd.com, or call customer service at (909) 595-1268.

Walnut Achieves Stability Through Drought

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – With California going through the most devastating drought in recent history and the hottest months of summer on the horizon, the City of Walnut is staving off the worst of it according to Walnut Valley Water District General Manager, Michael Holmes.

“Our customers in Walnut have been doing a great job with water conservation since our last drought in 2007-08,” Holmes said. “Since then we’ve been at between 15 and 18 percent conservation.”

Holmes said that Walnut residents have been keen on practicing water saving techniques, including reducing children playing in water sprinklers and limiting water used for lawns and home gardens.

Holmes, who was appointed as the Water District’s General Manager in 2006, said that another reason for the City’s high water conservation is through the use of reclaimed or recycled water. Using a filtration system that takes sewage water and removes waste and certain impurities, Walnut has been using reclaimed water for grass, trees, and plants on City property and golf courses since the 1980s.

Holmes said that a portion of the City’s reclaimed water supply comes from underground wells in the Puente Basin and the Pomona Reclamation Plant.

The City also stores one million gallons of reclaimed water at the Parker Canyon facility. According to Holmes, Walnut uses about 1,900 to 2,000 acre feet of reclaimed water per year. For a breakdown of what an acre foot of water is, Holmes stated that one acre foot of water is the amount of water used by two average sized families per year, which is equal to more than 270,000 gallons of water.

While the City’s current outlook appears good, Holmes said the future of Walnut’s supply is always uncertain even with good conservation. He added that since Walnut relies100 percent on imported water from the Metropolitan Water District, shipping water in from treatment plants in La Verne and Claremont, and the Colorado River, Walnut’s water supply can be erratic from year to year.

“MWD has told us that their supplies are okay for this year,” Holmes said. “But the drought is bad and it goes from area to area. Some areas are worse than others, and we are not in dire straits, but we are asking everyone to conserve. We don’t know what’s going to happen next year.”

Everyone can help conserve water with these Drought Tips from the Walnut Valley Water District:

  • Replace old washing machines with high-efficiency models. WVWD customers are eligible for a $100 rebate toward the purchase of a high-efficiency washing machine.
  • Only water your lawn when it’s absolutely necessary.
  • Do not let water run when washing your car.
  • Turn off your faucet when brushing your teeth.
  • Sweep your driveway instead of washing it.
  • Install ultra-low flush toilets.
  • Repair leaks to stop wasting water.

 

Chino Hills: Stage II Water Alert

STAFF REPORTS

Water Conservation

Photo Courtesy: Google

Chino Hills – While the east coast is experiencing one of the coldest winters on record, Southern California is wishing it had a little weather; rain, to be precise.

With Governor Brown declaring a Drought State of Emergency on Jan. 17, the City of Chino Hills has confirmed a Stage II Moderate Water Conservation Alert in accordance with its Water Conservation Ordinance, effective immediately.

Nadeem Majaj, the City’s Director of Public Works, said, “Last year was the driest year on record in the State of California and Chino Hills is redoubling our efforts to use water carefully and to remind our residents that water conservation should be a way of life.”

According to the City, Stage II is declared when it is anticipated that the water supply may be reduced by up to 10%.  The California Department of Water Resources has indicated that the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), one of the providers of water imported to Chino Hills, will not receive any water from the State Water Project which originates from the Sacramento Delta.  However, because of improvements in water storage, water deliveries from MWD are not anticipated to be reduced.

“Chino Hills and our residents have been at the forefront of conservation,” Majaj continued.  “We are required as a community to reduce water use by 20 percent by the year 2020, and we are well on the way to achieving the state-mandated goal.”

Residents and readers in all cities can continue to conserve our precious resource by adhering to the following prohibitions and restrictions:

  • Do not hose-wash sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, etc.
  • Repair all residential and business water leaks.
  • Do not water any outdoor landscaping between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Do not overwater landscaping, or allow water to run off into streets, sidewalks or other paved areas.  Keep sprinklers well maintained to prevent leaking.
  • Wash vehicles, trailers, boats (and livestock) from a bucket, and quickly rinse with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.  Look for Car Wash businesses that use recycled water.

There are simple things you can do every day such as using a broom instead of a hose for outdoor cleanup, having fun contests to see who can take the shortest shower in the house, and not ordering water in restaurants unless you really plan on drinking it.  Did you know that you can save four gallons of water per minute just by turning the water off while brushing your teeth?  That is 200 gallons per week for a family of four!  You can also keep your eyes open and report concerns that you observe by calling the City’s Water Wise Hotline, at (909) 364-2850.

Water Conservation…every little drop helps.

Walnut: Council Corner-Conserve Water

Walnut City Council Feb12, 2014

The Walnut City Council discussed a variety of items at their recent meeting, including the possibility of adopting a program to reward citizens for providing information leading to arrests. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – The Walnut City Council met for its regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, with major concerns from the Walnut Valley Water District for water conservation in the City.

Walnut Valley Water District Manager of Administration, Jose Martinez, gave a presentation urging residents to reduce water usage after a state of water emergency was declared this month.

“We encourage all citizens to reduce water use and to save every drop that they can,” Allen Wu, director of the Walnut Valley Water District director, said.

Martinez and Wu were also joined by Walnut Valley Water District Director of Administrative Services, Sandra Olson, and Director for the Board of Directors, Scarlett Kwong, who each took turns answering questions from City Council members.  Martinez mentioned that the Walnut Valley Water District offers rebates for water efficient toilets, washing machines, and rain barrels for collecting rain water. He asked interested residents to visit the water district’s website at wvwd.com for more information.

After the presentation, City Council members approved the minutes for the Jan. 22 City Council meeting and adopted Resolution No. 14-04 for amending the housing element of the City of Walnut General Plan.

City Council members then approved all items on the consent calendar, which included: resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $783,377.47; Resolution No. 14-06 for changes in position classifications; authorization for the City Manager to enter into contract with the Planning Center Consultants to prepare environmental and technical analyses for the She Homes Mixed-Use Project on Valley Boulevard; mid-year request for additional appropriation of funds; and plans and authorization to receive formal bids for the Amar Road Street Rehabilitation Project.

City Council members then discussed the possibility of adopting a crime tip reward program to reward citizens for providing information leading to arrests.  Council Member Nancy Tragarz argued that citizens should be willing to provide information to police without the possibility of money.  The Council then agreed to look into the program further at a later meeting and would not vote on approval of the item.

The City Council then approved both items on the successor agency consent calendar, for Resolution No.14-07 for approving the administration budget for July through December 2014, and Resolution No. 14-08 for approving ROPS for July through December 2014.

After council member announcements, the Walnut City Council returned to closed session and scheduled its next regular meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Diamond Bar: Crazy Weather

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

BY MARK HOPPER

I think all of us in Southern California have been amazed by the continuing warm weather we have been having this winter. It sure doesn’t feel like winter!
I call this, “Rose Parade Weather.” Usually right around the first of the year we get this wave of warm weather while the rest of the country is frozen under snow and sub-zero temperatures. When people in other parts of the country watch the Rose Parade, they notice the clear blue skies and warm sunny weather. The result is that a lot of them leave their homes and move to California!

But this year, the unusually warm weather hasn’t stopped. I think we are into our third of fourth week of temperatures that are far above normal. In addition, we are hearing reports that rainfall is far below normal. The Governor has declared a “Drought Emergency,” and is asking all of us to reduce our water usage.

For some people, the warm weather is wonderful. I am enjoying working in my yard and my tomato plants are happy with dozens of new blossoms. For other people, the warm weather is not as welcome. Local ski resorts have not had fresh snow in weeks. Skiers and snow boarders are hoping things will change soon.

Some things are out of our control. We can’t make it rain. We can’t change the temperature. We can’t change the weather. But, we can change how we respond to each situation we face. We can grumble or we can be grateful. We can complain or we can adapt to situations that are out of our control.

Remember, the weather will eventually get back to “normal”. The snow will come, the cooler weather will return and we will soon forget the summer of January 2014. So, enjoy it while you can!

Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd (909) 594-7604 Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM Website: http://www.efreedb.org

Walnut Valley: Governor Declares Statewide Drought

California Governor Jerry Brown

Gov. Jerry Brown declares statewide drought conditions during a Jan. 17 Press Conference in San Francisco. (Photo Courtesy: CA.Gov)

BY GLENN FREEMAN

Walnut Valley – On the heels of the driest recorded year in state history, Gov. Jerry Brown declared drought conditions in California. The statement came during a Jan. 17, 2014 Press Conference in San Francisco, where the Governor issued a State of Emergency, asking residents to conserve water.

“We can’t make it rain, but we can be much better prepared for the terrible consequences that California’s drought now threatens, including dramatically less water for our farms and communities and increased fires in both urban and rural areas,” said Gov. Brown in a press release. “I’m calling all Californians to conserve water in every way possible.”

State water officials reported that snowpack conditions are about 20 percent of normal average for this time of year, with river and reservoirs below their record lows, particularly in the State’s northern and central regions. The proclamation gives state water officials more flexibility to manage supply throughout California.
The Governor directed State agencies to use less water and hire more firefighters. He also expanded a public awareness campaign on water conservation at http://www.saveourh2o.org.

Metropolitan Water District (MWD), which provides water to nearly 19 million people in Southern California via 26 cities and water districts, released a statement supporting Gov. Brown’s declaration, asking users to take conservations measures.

“Lowering water demand in Southern California is a big reason why this region has sufficient supplies short term, but this drought is a wakeup call … to conserve every possible drop,” said Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

MWD has conservation tips available at its website, at http://www.bewaterwise.com.

Locally, the Walnut Valley Water District says water use is down in recent years.

“We’re supportive of the call for reduction in water usage and have always been about water efficiency. We’re buying 15% less water now than in 2006,” said general manager Mike Holmes.

Holmes also says the district encourages customers to visit their website (www.wvwd.com) for water conservation tips, as well as a program for getting up to 25 sprinkler nozzles for free.

The district serves approximately 100,000 customers in six San Gabriel Valley communities.

Walnut: Council Corner- Conserve Water

Walnut City Council

The Walnut City Council warned residents to conserve water due to California’s drought. (Photo courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – There was a short supply of agenda items at the Walnut City Council and Housing Authority meeting on Wednesday, but a major warning was given from Council Members about California’s drought problems.

After the approval of the Dec. 11, 2013 Study Session and City Council Meeting Minutes, and the Jan. 8 City Council Meeting Minutes, the City Council unanimously approved all items on the consent calendar.

The consent calendar included Resolution No. 14-03, for a resolution of the City of Walnut to allow certain claims and demands in the amount of $548,442.32; Walnut’s participation in the Cal Recycle Used Oil Competitive Grant for the 2013/2014 fiscal year; and youth sports groups requests for bi-annual facility use for FC Man United Soccer, Walnut Valley Pony Baseball, Walnut Youth Softball and the American Youth Soccer Association.

During the comment and updates section, Council Member, Mary Su, urged Walnut residents to be mindful of wasting water for the foreseeable future due to the latest statewide drought.

Council Member, Bob Pacheco, agreed with Su, saying that citizens should be careful not to waste water in an “unnecessary” manner.

The Housing Authority Meeting then started, which unanimously approved the only item on the consent calendar: Resolution No. 14-01 for the Walnut Housing Authority, allowing certain claims and demands to be paid in the amount of $52,820.25.

Mayor Antonio Cartagena then asked for all attendees of the City Council Meeting to join him in a moment of silence for the passing of Walnut Parks and Recreation’s Commissioner Ernie Quejado’s mother, Theresa.

Cartagena officially adjourned the City Council Meeting at 7:17 p.m., with the next scheduled meeting planned for Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.