Water conditions in the state have improved enough that, starting this month, local water districts are being monitored according to whether they pass a stress test and not by specific conservation targets.
Foothill Municipal Water District reported last week that it has passed its first test, with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California showing that it has sufficient water supplies to meet all the demands of its member agencies.
“This past winter, there was improvement in water supplies that we receive from Northern California,” said FMWD General Manager Nina Jazmadarian in a statement. “However, drought still persists and is impacting the other two-thirds of water supplies that meet consumer demands.
“Therefore, water agencies continue to ask for conservation from consumers. Any water conserved this year will go into reservoir and groundwater storage to be used in future years.”
In May, the last month in which percentages of water savings were totaled, FMWD reported that its customers consumed 29% less water than they did in May 2013. In LCF, Valley Water Co. — tasked with conserving 36% — reduced its usage by 22%, to bring its cumulative total to 25% since the mandates went into effect last June.
Mesa Crest Water District just missed its 25% reduction goal for the month, but met it cumulatively — saving 20% in May and 26% overall. La Cañada Irrigation District — saddled with a two-day watering requirement — saved 17% in May and 26% overall.
Crescenta Valley Water District, which serves a portion of LCF, used 35% less water last month than in 2013, bringing its overall savings to 28%, much better than the 18% target the state set.
FMWD Passes First Stress Test
