How Can South Lake Tahoe Residents Reduce Water Usage By 20%?

California Governor Jerry Brown has called for a 20% reduction in water usage state wide in order to prepare for the anticipated water shortage not only for 2014, but also in coming years.

A presentation was made by South Tahoe Public Utility District at Tuesday's City Council Meeting on just how everyone can cut back, from private homes to city projects.

Long range planning is important for communities to survive cutbacks to water supplies. The District outlined their response to conservation:

1) Metering Program ~ state mandated meters are being installed on all South Lake Tahoe residences.
2) Leak Detection Assistance ~ a leaky toilet can waste 30-50 gallons of water per day per toilet. The District has dye tablets available for the public to help detect leaks.
3) Indoor Conservation Services ~ The District will make a "water wise" house call to help evaluate water usage at the home.
4) Outdoor Conservation Services ~ Residents can have their yards evaluated for irrigation efficiency and get landscaping plans suggested. Already in place are watering day guidelines where even numbered residences water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and odd numbered homes are Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. No landscape irrigation on Saturdays.
5) Conservation Rebates ~ consumers can receive rebates by trading in their clothes washer and toilets for higher efficiency appliances, adding on demand hot water systems and providing water efficient landscaping.

Free information and water conservation tips and tools are available at the customer service desk at the South Tahoe Public Utility District located at 1275 Meadow Crest Drive.