April 18, 2017
Drought Conditions End as Focus Shifts to Long-Term Water Use
 
Gov. Brown on April 7 formally ended the drought emergency for most of California due to record-setting precipitation during the past winter. This followed a resolution by the Water Authority's Board of Directors in January to declare an end to drought conditions for San Diego County. The Water Authority applauded the governor's decision because water agencies and regulators must maintain credibility with the public by acknowledging the dramatic improvement in water supplies.
 
"Going forward, it's critical for San Diegans to keep embracing water-use efficiency as a way of life, including by continuing to adopt WaterSmart landscapes that maintain our quality of life while using less water," said Water Authority Board Chair Mark Muir. "Water is our most precious natural resource, and we know that dry times will return. It's incumbent on each of us to use water wisely no matter the weather, and the Water Authority will continue to offer resources that promote water efficiency as a positive and permanent lifestyle."

On April 7, the governor also released his long-term water-use framework, which will have far-reaching impacts on how much water residents and businesses can use in the future. The Water Authority is reviewing the framework and implementing legislation carefully to assess whether they support a balanced approach that includes supply development and water-use efficiency.


Union-Tribune Features WaterSmart Makeovers in Monthly Stories
 
The Water Authority on April 7 launched a partnership with The San Diego Union-Tribune highlighting before and after photos of WaterSmart landscape makeovers around the region. The monthly series will showcase homeowners' successes turning turf-intensive yards into water-wise landscapes.

The first article featured an Oceanside home where the front lawn was replaced with WaterSmart plants that save water and bloom year-round.  
 
Click here to read the article. 
Live WaterSmart Photo Contest in May

In celebration of Water Awareness Month, the Water Authority is launching the Live WaterSmart photo contest on May 1 to highlight the value of water and promote water-use efficiency as a lifestyle regardless of the weather.
 
The photo contest will be hosted on Instagram (@sdcwa) through May 31. To participate, take a photo that demonstrates how water is an essential part of your life -- indoors or outdoors -- and submit it to [email protected].
 
Sponsors such as the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, SeaWorld and The Cravory have donated great prizes, and the first 20 people who submit eligible photos will receive two tickets to the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park.
 
Click here for contest rules and guidelines.
Did you See?

The Valley Roadrunner on April 5 published a commentary by Water Authority Board Chair Mark Muir disputing claims from Metropolitan Water District that 100 percent of the water supply provided to the region is currently coming from Northern California.

"The fact is, on no day so far this year has MWD supplied 100 percent Northern California water to San Diego County," said Muir.  "In fact, on 27 days this year, it provided 100-percent Colorado River water and zero-percent Northern California water."

Click here to read the article.
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