The Latest on California's Ongoing Drought
In the midst of the driest three-year stretch in recorded history, reservoirs across the west have reached never-before seen lows.
The drought is not just on California's State Water Project system (including Lake Oroville, right). Lake Powell and Lake Mead -- both on the Colorado River system -- are also in unprecedented shortages.
It is anticipated that water deliveries across the western United States will see unprecedented cuts this summer. Never before has water use efficiency been so important.
How is This Different From Previous Droughts?
EMWD relies on two imported water sources: The State Water Project (SWP) and Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) systems. During previous droughts, we were able to rely more heavily on the CRA system to make up for shortages on the SWP system.
This year, the Colorado River system is also facing historic shortages, marking the first time both systems have reached a crisis point at the same time.
What Can I Do To Save Water?
EMWD encourages customers to focus on their outdoor irrigation efforts, since that is where more than 60 percent of water is used within our service area.
EMWD customers are eligible to participate in The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's turf removal rebate program, which offers up to $3 per square foot to replace grass with drought-tolerant landscaping.
EMWD's Demonstration Garden was designed to showcase Water Wise landscaping and irrigation and also offers resources such as a list of drought-tolerant plants, trees and shrubs.
What EMWD is Asking of its Customers
EMWD is asking its customers to Keep It Up!
Our customers have collectively reduced per-capita water use by more than 40 percent over two decades. EMWD is asking you to keep up the great work, remain within your water budget, and to eliminate any water waste. Together, we can get through this drought and do our part to help California’s water supplies.
