Water Conservation
The City of Lakeport believes that water is one of our most precious natural resources and we continuously work to ensure that our City has enough quality water now and in the future.
Water conservation has historically been viewed as a standby or temporary source of supply that is typically invoked only during times of drought or other emergency water shortage. However, we cannot afford to look at these drought response measures as temporary solutions until our water problems are fixed by a few storms. Instead, we must recognize today’s reality of diminishing annual rainfall totals that may get worse as we suffer the impacts of climate change. We encourage our customers to reduce water usage when it's practical.
On Monday, March 28, 2022 Governor Newsom released a new Executive Order (N-7-22) requiring public water agencies to enhance water conservation rules. The 2021/2022 winter rainy season is nearing a close with California heading into a third year of severe drought.
Overall, 99.77.% of California is experiencing Moderate to Exceptional drought conditions (October 2022). All northern California counties are in a severe or extreme drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a weekly report put out by the federal government and the University of Nebraska. Lake County is no exception as most of the county is currently in the Severe Drought category.
According to weather.gov, the La Nina weather pattern is expected to prevail throughout the remainder of 2022 and drought conditions are likely to persist or worsen through the fall rainy season.
The City of Lakeport relies on ground water wells in the Scotts Valley area along with treated water from Clear Lake for our City’s potable water needs. Both sources are vulnerable due to the current and forecasted drought conditions.
WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO HELP?
We are taking this opportunity to remind our customers that it is always prudent to conserve our resources, whether it is water or any other resource. Everyone can do their part in conserving this important resource by voluntarily reducing their water consumption. We are asking every customer to voluntarily save 15-20 gallons of water per day.
Here are some simple water-saving ideas you can use at home:
- Install water-saving showerheads and take shorter showers – five minutes or less.
- Turn water off when brushing teeth, washing dishes, etc.
- Let lawns go dormant in the summer or water lawns only when needed and during the cool parts of the day. Usually 2 or 3 times a week, in the morning or evening, is sufficient to keep lawns healthy.
- Water plants deeply and less often.
- Flush the toilet less.
- Check toilets, faucets and pipes for leaks and promptly repair if necessary.
- Check your water meter to see if it is moving when no water is being used.
- Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps.
- Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket.
- Check faucets and pipes for leaks.
- Wash full loads of clothes only.
As directed by the State of California to promote water conservation, the City will continue to prohibit wasteful water usage practices such as:
- Hosing off sidewalks, driveways and other hardscapes;
- Washing automobiles, boats, RVs, etc. with hoses not equipped with a shut-off nozzle;
- Using non-recirculated water in a fountain or other decorative water feature;
- Watering lawns in a manner that causes runoff, or within 48 hours after measurable precipitation; and
- Irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians.
- General Water Conservation Tips: Save Our Water
- 100+ Ways to Conserve Water: Water Use it Wisely
- Water Use Efficiency: California Department of Water Resources
Please send an email to compliance@cityoflakeport.com if you would like to suggest other water saving tips for the list!
We appreciate everyone's assistance in helping to protect our water resources and doing their part!
