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By the year 2020, California’s urban water agencies must have reduced potable water consumption by 20 percent per person. For DSRSD, the target is 163 gallons per person per day.
We are already meeting that goal.
Why is our water use going down on a per-capita basis? Recycled water is a big factor. In Dougherty Valley and many parts of Dublin, recycled water irrigates parks, schools, golf courses, and other large landscapes. In 2011, recycled water accounted for about 18 percent of all the water used by District customers. In 2000, it was less than one percent.
Customers also continue to make changes that permanently reduce their water consumption—with efficient toilets and clothes washers, smaller lawns, and better irrigation. Many rebates are available to help.
Last year’s cool, wet weather was a factor, too. But as we are seeing this year, it’s only a matter of time before the weather turns dry. Our long-term goal is to maintain a sustainable level of potable water consumption that ensures a reliable supply for our families, economy, and environment.
We Are Each Using Less
Potable water use in the District’s service area averaged 121 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) over the last 12 months. That’s down from 205 GPCD in 2005 (12-month average) and below the District’s 2020 target of 163 GPCD. Population is estimated based on the number of DSRSD water accounts and adjusted annually based on census data.
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OUR WATER SUPPLY REMAINS RESTRICTED |
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The Department of Water Resources has told State Water Project (SWP) contractors, including Zone 7 Water Agency, the District’s wholesale supplier, to expect 60 percent of their requested water supply in 2012. This estimate may change several times before summer based on weather conditions. A full allocation is difficult to achieve, even in wet years, because of Delta pumping restrictions to protect threatened and endangered fish. Zone 7 hasn’t received a full allocation since 2006.
If customers maintain current levels of conservation, a 60 percent SWP allocation is an adequate supply for the Tri-Valley with normal rainfall. However, during the previous drought years, we received 10, 20, and 25 percent less than what we needed, which depleted local groundwater. It can take several years to replenish the groundwater reserves that sustain us during a drought. If this year remains dry, the SWP could cut allocations again, before local reserves are fully replenished.
Because our water supply is still restricted and reserves need to be replenished, the District’s Stage 1 Water Shortage has remained in place. Many studies show that a conservation-based rate structure is the most effective way to reduce water consumption. DSRSD water rates encourage greater efficiency by those who use the most water and provide the necessary revenue to operate a safe and reliable water system.
Most water used in the Tri Valley comes from Lake Oroville via the Delta. Zone 7 Water Agency, our wholesale supplier, is the first stop along the State Water Project pipeline that serves millions of acres of farmland and 25 million Californians, from the Bay Area to southern California.
Learn more about water supply challenges
Visit www.athirstyplanet.com to learn how recycling and desalination can extend water resources.
Articles from National Geographic Magazine Special Edition “Water – Our Thirsty World”
- Plumbing California: Even with one of the most elaborate water-delivery systems on the planet, California must find new ways to ensure reliable water supplies.
- The Last Drop: Conservation and recycling are reducing the need for more dams, canals and long-distance pumping.
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: 150 years in 100 seconds, an animation commissioned by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California shows the dramatic evolution of the Delta.
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