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Down the drought route

Pipeline May June 2021 Drought TOPOFBLOG 1000x350

Drought – It’s a road we’ve been down before, and California is there once again. This water year marked the driest year in the Mokelumne River Watershed since 1977.

On average, Mother Nature showers the Sierra Foothills with 46 inches of rain. This year, a mere 24 inches trickled into Pardee Reservoir, where 90 percent of our water supply is collected. With news that our reservoirs wouldn’t refill, EBMUD’s Board of Directors declared a drought, putting our customers on alert to save water.

“Wait a minute… I’m already saving water,” you might be thinking. Well, you’re right. Many of you are water-saving superstars, and we’re grateful for the decisions you make day in and day out—drought or not. Great job! Because of these dry times we need more of our customers to become super savers – for those who can, please strive to trim your water use 10 percent. Check your home and irrigation system for those pesky leaks which can waste hundreds of gallons each day. We offer helpful rebates and resources to get you started.

How is EBMUD addressing the water shortage?

Buying supplemental water – EBMUD will divert water from the Sacramento River purchased through our federal water project contract, because we did not receive enough precipitation in the Mokelumne River and East Bay watersheds.

Finding and fixing our leaks – We are reducing leaks and water loss from our system using innovative techniques, and addressing water main breaks and leaks as quickly as possible. Help by reporting main breaks to 1-866-403-2683.

Investing in water conservation – EBMUD is stretching our water supply by investing in water-efficiency programs to make it easier for customers to save.

Reuse and recycle – Water is too precious to use just once. Our water recycling program saves millions of gallons of water daily by reusing water for industrial and irrigation uses.

Planning for the future – We have evaluated water supply and demand needs through 2050 and outlined actions to manage future uncertainties and multi-year droughts.

 

Monitor the drought situation and learn water-saving tips at ebmud.com/Drought.