SACRAMENTO, CA — (Marketwire) — 04/01/13 — , the state–s largest water conservation program, today urged Californians to take note of state officials– warnings that 2013 is shaping up to be a dry year and to embrace water conservation efforts both inside and outside their homes. Save Our Water is a statewide public education program sponsored by (ACWA) and the (DWR).
Snow surveyors with the California Department of Water Resources reported snowpack water content readings March 28 of only 52% of normal for this time of year. DWR Director Mark Cowin called the readings “gloomy news for our summer water supply.” With most of California–s wet season behind us, the low water content readings indicate dry months to follow. The first three months of 2013 already were among the driest on record, and rain showers predicted this week don–t seem likely to alleviate concerns over this year–s water supply. While water conservation is urged in both dry and wet years, water use reduction is particularly important in years where the precious resource is scarce. 2013 is shaping up to be one of those years.
“We ask that every Californian do their part by conserving water every day,” said Secretary of Natural Resources John Laird. “Take a shorter shower, be mindful of how long your sprinklers run, and fix that leaky faucet.”
The Save Our Water website offers more tips on how Californians can save water everyday both inside and outside their homes.
“Save Our Water is designed to complement local and regional programs– messaging efforts with public education tools that give Californians practical tips on water conservation,” said Jennifer Persike, ACWA–s Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations. “For instance, most people don–t know that Californians use more water outdoors than indoors. Raising public awareness on that simple fact — coupled with providing tips on how to conserve water outdoors — will go a long way towards cutting people–s overall water use.”
Save Our Water was launched in 2009 to help Californians permanently reduce their everyday water usage.
To conserve water outdoors, Save Our Water suggests the following:
Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Save: 25 gallons/each time you water
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. Save: 15-12 gallons/each time you water
Choose a water-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs, and flowers. Save: 15 gallons/each time you water.
Plant drought-resistant trees and plants. Save: 30-60 gallons/each time you water/1,000 sq. ft
For more ways to save and to learn more about the Save Our Water program, visit or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Save Our Water is a partnership between the and the
Jennifer Persike
Association of California Water Agencies
916-441-4545 or 916-296-3981 (cell)
Nancy Vogel
Dept. of Water Resources
916-651-7512 or 916-796-3048 (cell)