CVWD Customers Cut Water Use 35 Percent in January

PALM DESERT, CA- Customers of the Coachella Valley Water District reduced water use by 35 percent in January, compared to the same month in 2013, the agency announced Thursday.

The figure marks a dramatic reversal from the 3.6 percent reduction in December, which marked the lowest monthly conservation rate since the issuance of a state mandate requiring the water district to reduce residential water use by 36 percent or face penalties of up to $10,000 per day.

“This number represents a strong commitment to conservation by our customers,” said Jim Barrett, CVWD general manager.

“Our customers clearly adhered to the new ban on irrigation on Mondays and Thursdays and responded to recent El Nino rains by turning off irrigation for 48 hours,” he said. “These cutbacks in irrigation and the continued enthusiastic participation in our conservation programs have made a difference.”

Last July 1, new drought penalties went into effect for customers who use water inefficiently. Also, the agency’s 2015-16 budget includes $3.2 million for conservation rebate programs.

Beginning Dec. 1, penalties to customers were increased as part of an intensified effort to meet conservation goals. The agency also issued new restrictions that bar outdoor irrigation on Mondays and Thursdays.

The increased drought penalties call for fines of between $2.51 to $20 per unit. The more a customer exceeds the water limit, the higher the fine.

In October, CVWD was among four Southern California public water providers that were each fined $61,000 for failing to meet the state’s conservation goals. Indio, Beverly Hills and Redlands also were fined.

The CVWD board is appealing its penalty, saying the agency’s conservation target is among the most aggressive in the state.

For information about rebate and penalty initiatives, visit www.cvwd.org/CVsaving36.

(Image via Shutterstock)