Cal Water Prepared for Drought in its Service Areas

Rhea-AI Summary

California Water Service encourages conservation efforts following the addition of 39 counties to the drought emergency declaration by Governor Newsom, impacting 12 of its districts. To combat potential water shortages, Cal Water is implementing a range of initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades, leak repairs, and the development of 30-year master plans. They offer rebates on high-efficiency appliances and free conservation kits to assist customers. The company serves approximately 2 million residents through 492,600 connections, emphasizing customer partnership in water conservation efforts.

Positive

• Implementing infrastructure upgrades to minimize water loss.
• Offering rebates on high-efficiency appliances to encourage conservation.
• Providing free conservation kits to customers.

Negative

• Declaring 12 districts under drought emergency may indicate potential water supply issues.

Twelve Districts Now Within Counties with State Drought Declarations

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following Governor Newsom’s addition of 39 counties to the emergency drought declaration yesterday, California Water Service (Cal Water) encouraged its customers to conserve water as much as possible, particularly as the state enters the warmer spring and summer months. The declaration brings the following 12 Cal Water districts under the drought emergency: Bakersfield (Kern County), Chico (Butte County), Dixon (Solano County), Kern River Valley (Kern County), Livermore (Alameda County), Marysville (Yuba County), Oroville (Butte County), Redwood Valley (Sonoma and Lake Counties), Selma (Fresno County), Stockton (San Joaquin County), Visalia (Tulare County), and Willows (Glenn County).

The utility has been preparing to meet customers’ needs in preparation for drought conditions. While some preparations are specific to local service areas, efforts across all of its districts include:

• Replacing, repairing, and upgrading infrastructure to minimize water loss;
• Identifying and repairing leaks through a Water Loss Auditing and Control Program;
• Developing 30-year Water Supply and Facilities Master Plans, which enable the utility to identify and address potential gaps in supplies; and
• Updating its Conservation Master Plan to help determine programs that would most benefit local customers and reduce water use.

“Although our efforts are critically important, they can’t take the place of customer conservation efforts,” said Martin A. Kropelnicki, President and CEO. “Our customers throughout our service areas have done a tremendous job with their conservation efforts when needed, and we look forward to partnering with them again as we face another drought.”

Cal Water encourages customers to utilize its industry-leading conservation program to help save water. The utility offers:

• Rebates on high-efficiency appliances and devices;
• A free conservation kit that includes a garden hose nozzle with shutoff valve, high-efficiency showerheads, faucet aerators, and more;
• Educational resources; and
• A smart landscape tune-up program that includes an irrigation system evaluation along with installation of efficient devices and repair of irrigation leaks at no cost to customers.

Cal Water also reminds residents and businesses to continue observing the prohibited uses of water that have been in effect. Water-wasting activities include, in part, using water on outdoor landscaping that causes runoff onto adjacent properties or paved areas; using water during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; using a hose to wash vehicles unless the hose has a shutoff nozzle or similar device; and using water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where part of a recirculating system.

Cal Water customers can visit calwater.com/conservation for information on conservation programs along with a full list of prohibited uses of water.

California Water Service serves about 2 million people through 492,600 service connections in California. The utility has provided water service in the state since 1926. Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.

Contact: Yvonne Kingman, 310-257-1434

FAQ

What does Cal Water's drought response include for its customers?

Cal Water is replacing infrastructure, repairing leaks, and offering conservation rebates and free kits.

How many districts of Cal Water are affected by the drought declaration?

Twelve Cal Water districts are now under the drought emergency due to the recent declaration.

What programs does Cal Water offer to promote water conservation?

Cal Water offers rebates on appliances, free conservation kits, educational resources, and a landscape tune-up program.

How many people does California Water Service serve?

Cal Water serves about 2 million people through 492,600 service connections.

What measures has Cal Water taken to address potential water shortages?

Cal Water has developed long-term master plans and is actively upgrading its infrastructure.