H2O Emergency

Recently Gov. Schwarzenegger declared a statewide water emergency for California, urging all citizens to curb their water expenditures and take steps to reduce water use by at least 20 percent.

"Last year. we experienced the driest spring and summer on record, and storage in the state's reservoir system is near historic lows," Schwarzenegger stated. "This drought is having a devastating impact on our people, our communities, our economy and our environment."

Though a chain of storms has swept across Southern California in recent months, with more potential rainfall this week, the overall numbers portray a dismal picture for California drought conditions for the third year in a row. Two years ago, California rain runoff was 38 percent of normal, last year it was 53 percent of normal, and this year is projected to be 57 percent of normal.

Here are a few tips on how to conserve water during this critical time:

• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
• Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead for turf and hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
• If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, then it is very likely that you do not have a water efficient toilet. Replacing the old with the new can save not only water, but can also save you money.
• Never put water down the drain that can be used to water your plant or garden, or that can be used for cleaning.