Stage 2 Drought Emergency Declared By City Of American Canyon

AMERICAN CANYON, CA — The American Canyon City Council declared a Stage 2 Drought Emergency Tuesday, requiring all water customers to reduce their use by 20 percent.

The Stage 2 declaration came about a month and a half after the city announced Stage 1 Drought Emergency calling for voluntary water conservation.

"While progress was made, American Canyon did not achieve the overall desired 10% reduction in water use in Stage 1," said Dominic Patrick, manager of water systems for the city.

In addition to reducing water use by 20 percent and following the best practices identified in Stage 1, Stage 2 prohibits customers from:

• Using water for gardening, landscape irrigation, washing vehicles or equipment between noon and 6 p.m.
• Washing sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or other paved areas.
• Irrigating at any time if it results in runoff in a gutter or other drainage conveyance system.
• Using water to fill a new swimming pool, spa, pond or similar recreational basin of water.
• Operating any ornamental fountain or other structure making similar or otherwise ornamental use of water outside.

Customers can track their water use through the City’s new My Water Usage Portal to view daily, weekly and monthly water use, compare data, and set up alerts to receive notifications about out-of-the-ordinary water consumption.

"The first step for each of us is to understand how we are using water; the City can help with that," said Mayor Leon Garcia. "Simple changes can make a huge difference. Using the Water Portal tool, customers can instantly see the impact through nearly real-time data."

The city’s drought emergency mirrors other cities in Napa County and throughout California that also face the effects of record-low rainfall for the second consecutive year. The City of Napa is also calling for a 20-percent reduction in water use, and on July 20, enacted Water Use Prohibitions similar to American Canyon's.

Although not currently in effect, the City of American Canyon may implement surcharges for customers who do not comply with Stage 2 requirements.

The city, Patrick said, has implemented several changes to help with water conservation, including the addition of reclaimed irrigation at Kimberly Park which saves approximately 15,000 gallons per week.

The city has also launched the Residential Recycled Water Program; offering registered residents access to two self-serve recycled water fill stations, free recycled water containers, and delivery of recycled water. Information about this program, including how to register, is available at CityofAmericanCanyon.org/Recycled Water

"The city of American Canyon appreciates every effort to save water together," Patrick said. "Please visit CityofAmericanCanyon.org/SaveWater or call 707-647-4550 for the latest updates, tips on saving water, and see how the city stands overall in meeting its water conservation goals.