South Lake Tahoe residents, along with rest of state, continue to conserve water

Despite near average rainfall in much of Northern California this past winter, 60 percent of the state remains in severe or extreme drought. Groundwater basins and many reservoirs are badly depleted as the state’s drought grinds into a fifth year. Those living in, and visiting, South Lake Tahoe, have enjoyed higher water levels to view, boat and recreate in.

Drought or no drought, water conservation is necessary and its the reason South Lake Tahoe has continued to fare better than most communities in the West. Since 2007, local water users have cut back 27% of their annual water usage with continued conservation measures including residential watering on specified days.

In May, 2016, South Lake Tahoe water usage went down 36 percent when compared to the same month in 2013. The state of California as a whole reduced consumption by 28 percent.

Cumulatively, local water suppliers have saved 1.6 million acre feet in the 12 months mandatory conservation goals were enforced, that is enough water to supply eight million people for a year.

“The phenomenal ongoing water conservation by state residents as we enter the hottest summer months clearly shows Californians understand we remain in stubborn drought conditions statewide and that saving water is just the smart thing to do. Rain or shine, drought or no drought, state mandated target or not, Californians should keep conserving. While conditions improved for urban California’s water supply with the rain and snow we got last year, we are still largely in drought and saving water can extend urban water supplies off into the future if this next winter is dry again.” - State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus

There has now been just one day of a little rainfall in the last 45 days in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

New regulations took effect in June, allowing local water suppliers more autonomy to set their own conservation goals based on local supply conditions. The State Water Board said it still expects suppliers to continue to make water conservation a top priority as California enters the summer months, when the opportunity for water savings is greatest.

In June on the South Shore, usage was down 13 percent. While not the figures of the prior month when usage was down triple that, South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) still applaud local efforts.

"We greatly appreciate how water conscious our community is, and all they have done to conserve," said Donielle Morse, Water Conservation Specialist for STPUD.

Restrictions:

Customers who receive water from STPUD continue to have the following water restriction in place: Properties with street addresses ending with an even number shall irrigate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; properties with street addresses ending with an odd number shall irrigation on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. There will be no irrigation permitted on Saturday. Irrigation exclusively utilizing drip or other low-flow systems shall be exempt from designate irrigation days.

- Water users shall repair all leaks in plumbing or irrigation systems.
The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures is prohibited.
- The irrigation of non-landscaped, natural vegetation or undeveloped property is expressly prohibited.
- The use of a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle or for any other purpose is prohibited, except where the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device attached to it that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use.
- The application of potable water to driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, tennis courts, decks, patios and other improved areas is prohibited.
- The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable precipitation is prohibited.
- The use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature is prohibited, except where the water is part of a recirculating system.
- The irrigation with potable water of ornamental turf on public street medians in prohibited.
- The irrigation with potable water of landscapes outside of newly constructed homes and buildings in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development is prohibited.
- The serving of drinking water other than upon request in eating and drinking establishments is prohibited, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, cafes, cafeterias, bars, or other public places where food or drink are served and/or purchased.
- To promote water conservation, operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. The hotel or motel shall prominently display notice of this option in each guestroom using clear and easily understood language.

Failure to comply comes with financial implications as well.

- First Violation: For a first violation within one calendar year, the District shall issue a written warning to the Water User.

- Second Violation: For a second violation within one calendar year, a fine of $100 for residential customers shall be added to the Water User’s bill at the property where the violation occurred; for the second violation within one year, a fine of $500 for commercial customers shall be added to the Water User’s bill at the property where the violation occurred.

- Third Violation: For a third violation within one calendar year, a fine of $250 for residential customers shall be added to the Water User’s bill at the property where the violation occurred; for the third violation within one year, a fine of $750 for commercial customers shall be added to the Water User’s bill at the property where the violation occurred.

- Fourth Violation: For the fourth and any additional violations within one calendar year, a fine of $500 for residential customers shall be added to the Water User’s bill at the property where the violation occurred; for a fourth and any additional violations within one year, a fine of $1,000 for commercial customers shall be added to the Water User’s bill at the property where the violation occurred. The District may also discontinue the Water User’s water service at the property where the violations occurred in accordance with District Procedures. Re-connection shall be permitted only when there is reasonable protection against future violations, such as a flow-restricting device on the customer’s service connection, as determined at the District’s discretion.

Morse and STPUD have a page on their website dedicated to conservation: http://stpud.us/waterconsv/.