Staff Reports
Walnut – Despite rainstorms a few weeks ago, California is still experiencing record drought conditions. Governor Brown has called for a statewide reduction in water use, and in response, the Walnut Valley Water District’s Board of Directors has adopted a resolution requesting a 20% voluntary reduction in water usage by all District’s customers.
When asked about the District’s adoption of the voluntary water conservation effort, Board President, Barbara Carrera, stated , “With the ongoing lack of rain and snowfall throughout the state, the Walnut Valley Water District is stepping up our response to the drought and recommending that all of our customers continue to do their part in conserving water.” Director Carrera went on to state, “The good news is the Walnut Valley Water District expects to have adequate water supplies for 2014 as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), the District’s regional water supplier, has announced no water restrictions for this year.”
Mike Holmes, Walnut Valley Water District General Manager indicated, “The reason for this water supply assurance is that MWD, along with many other water agencies, including our District, have been very active in preparing for droughts by capturing and storing imported supplies in “wet years” in order to maintain a reliable system during the dry cycles such as this year.” “Further”, he stated, “In addition to the District’s extensive water education and conservation programs for District customers, over the last 30 years, our District also has invested millions of customers’ dollars in a recycled water system that currently offsets our potable water usage by approximately 10% of our total water purchases. Our customers have also been averaging a 15% reduction in their water use, so this along with our recycled water system, shows we are conserving water.”
President Carrera concluded her remarks by stating, “On behalf of the District’s Board of Directors, I would personally like to thank all of our customers for their on-going water conservation efforts over the years. This resolution is to officially request our good customers to also respond to the Governor’s call to voluntarily increase their conservation efforts and to continue to “Use Water Wisely.”
For further information on ways to conserve, rebate programs available, or general information about the drought, visit the District’s website at http://www.wvwd.com or call the District’s customer service staff at (909) 595-1268
