EBMUD Board of Directors to consider next level drought declaration

Following a second dry winter, EBMUD reservoirs will not refill

OAKLAND – Following a bleak California snow survey on April 1 and very low precipitation this winter, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Board of Directors will consider elevating the drought emergency for 1.4 million customers in the East Bay Area to Stage 2 of EBMUD’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

To date, EBMUD reservoir levels are at 71 percent capacity and EBMUD reservoirs are not expected to refill after the spring snowmelt in the Sierra Nevada. Beginning in April 2021, EBMUD asked customers to voluntarily reduce water use by 10 percent and enacted its drought response plan to draw water supplemental supplies. 

EBMUD Board members will consider elevating the drought response, updating outdoor water use prohibitions reinstating the Excessive Use Penalty Ordinance and imposing a drought surcharge on all customers to pay for supplemental water supplies and associated costs of the drought emergency.

What: EBMUD Board of Directors meeting: Drought Emergency
When: Tuesday, April 26, 2022; 1:15 p.m.
Where: Live stream at ebmud.com/boardmeeting. In person at 375 11th Street, Oakland, CA 94706. A completed COVID-19 symptoms checklist and face coverings are required.

April 27 Water Wednesday – Drought
Following the Board meeting, EBMUD will host a Water Wednesday speaker series to discuss the drought action plan. Panelists will include managers of water supply, treatment, and distribution, conservation, and natural resources.

What: Water Wednesday virtual speaker series​​​​​​​
When: Wednesday, April 27, 2022; 6 p.m.​​​​​​​
Where: Register at ebmud.com/waterwednesday

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The East Bay Municipal Utility District has a proud history of providing high-quality drinking water for 1.4 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. EBMUD’s wastewater system serves 740,000 customers and helps protect the ecosystem of San Francisco Bay. EBMUD is a not-for-profit public agency established in 1923.

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