Water Conservation Urged

Castro Valley’s water agency, East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is urging all of us to reduce outdoor water use as we brace for a fourth year of dry weather.  Water agencies say that most water waste occurs outdoors. In particular, the EBMUD encourages residents to switch to drought-tolerant landscaping. 

Representatives from around the Bay Area met at Quarry Lakes Demonstration Garden in Fremont last week to discuss our water situation and showcase drought-resistant gardening.

The Demonstration Garden (2100 Isherwood Way) features a drought-resistant array of plants that do well in our area and gives classes to show the public that thirsty lawns are not their only option. The garden includes succulents for both ground cover and color, water-wise shrubs such as California Lilac, Manzanita, Mexican Bush Sage, and Shrubby Monkey Flower, and perennials like Hummingbird Sage, Coyote Mint, California Fuchsia, Scarlet Monkey Flower, and Pineapple Sage.   

At the meeting, which included representatives from Alameda County Water District, Contra Costa Water District, Dublin San Ramon Services District, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), and EBMUD, the agencies encouraged their customers to make permanent water-wise changes to their landscaping.

“As the warm months continue, now is the time for everyone to do what they can to reduce outdoor water use in particular,” said SFPUC General Manager Dennis Herrera. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for a statewide reduction in water use of 15 percent in response to current drought conditions. From January to June of this year, Bay Area residents reduced their usage by 60 gallons per person per day, as compared to the statewide average of 82.  

“EBMUD customers are phenomenal at conserving water,” said General Manager Clifford Chan. “Our customers have conserved 46 million gallons every day compared to historic use, and by 2050 we want to increase that to 70 million gallons saved daily. With climate change resulting in more frequent and severe droughts, we all need to conserve to ensure our water future is reliable. Our goal may seem like a lot, but if everyone makes wise water-use decisions, whether it’s fixing a leak, or cutting back on outdoor irrigation, or using new irrigation technology—we will meet that goal. Making conservation a way of life will benefit all our communities.”

EBMUD serves 1.4 million people in portions of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

See SaveOurWater.com for water-saving tips in both English and Spanish. These include videos, audio recordings, printable materials, and a section for Homeowners Associations. More information is also available online at ebmud.com