Manhattan Beach Not Meeting Water Conservation Goals
Oct 27, 2022 01:12PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Record low water level of Lake Mead, a key reservoir along the Colorado River.
According to the Metropolitan Water District, deliveries from the State Water Project, the system the brings water
from Northern California to the south and typically delivers about 30
percent of the region’s annual supplies, have been so dramatically
reduced over the past three years that in some parts of the region, there is not enough water to meet normal demands this year.
Furthermore, on the Colorado River, Metropolitan’s other imported water source, a
shortage condition was declared for the first time ever last year.
Federal officials have warned river users to prepare for deeper cuts next year and beyond.
How Can We Save More Water?
"As much as 50% of residential water usage comes from outdoor watering, and unfortunately, irrigated water is often wasted due in large part to evaporation, wind, or runoff caused by inefficient methods and systems," said Petroff. "If every resident followed the watering restrictions, which limit watering to two evenings per week, collectively, Manhattan Beach could reach the mandated 20% reduction."
(Note that schools, fields, and parks use reclaimed water, which is not part of the restriction.)
Furthermore, said Petroff, "a leaky faucet that drips at one drop per second can waste nearly 3,200 gallons per year; therefore, the slogan 'every drop counts' should be one that every household takes seriously."
The city has a long list of easy-to-follow tips for saving water (you'd be surprised at how many small steps you can take to make a difference).
Residents can also reduce their water
consumption and save money by taking advantage of available rebates,
such as the grass replacement program and the water-efficient
appliance rebate program.
There are also three upcoming free rain barrel distribution events in the area. (Rain barrels are used to collect and save rainwater for later use in watering.)
Stage 2 Rule Reminders
In accordance with the emergency water conservation regulations enacted by the State Water Resources Control Board, the Stage 2 rules for residential customers are as follows:
- No landscape water with may be done with potable water unless a timed sprinkler system is installed or watering is done with a handheld device.
- Landscape watering with potable water shall be limited to two (2) times per week for not more than 15 minutes per watering zone from 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. the following Thursday; and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. the following Sunday.
- These rules do not apply to any drip irrigation system, irrigation system maintenance, leak repair or new planting of low water usage plants or if reclaimed water is utilized as permitted by law.
More information about the drought and about water conservation is available through the city of Manhattan Beach as well as the Save Our Water campaign, the State Water Resources Control Board, Drought.gov, and the Department of Water Resources.
