Lake Tahoe water agencies stress the public conserve water during power outages

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As Liberty Utility and Nevada Energy consider public safety power shut-offs for Lake Tahoe, South Lake’s water districts would like to remind residents to conserve water during power outages.

When risk of catastrophic wildfire becomes too great, electric utilities may turn off the power for extended periods of time. South Lake Tahoe’s water districts urge customers to conserve water during power outages to make sure there is enough water available to fight a fire if needed.

When the lights go out in South Lake Tahoe, water and wastewater infrastructure relies on emergency generators.

“This back-up power supply keeps the system running, but is not designed to handle peak demand,” says Chris Stanley, Manager of Field Operations for South Tahoe Public Utility District. “When power outages occur during high fire risk, the District works around the clock to keep water tanks and
diesel tanks full in case of fire.”

Just like you would avoid taking a long road trip on a spare tire, avoid excess water use when the power goes out. Turn off your irrigation system, take shorter showers, flush the toilet only as needed, and use a wash tub when washing dishes.