by Greg Morrison
The drought conditions in California are certainly the worst we have seen in more than a generation, and to combat the drought and preserve our drinking water supply, the State of California is in the process of implementing many new regulations designed to reduce water usage and increase conservation. Many of the new regulations, both implemented and proposed focus solely on residential water use. But it’s important to remember that water restrictions will affect not just your home, but your business as well.
On April 1, Governor Jerry Brown announced the state’s first-ever mandatory water-use restrictions and called for water agencies to work with their communities to cut water use by 25%. As part of the new restrictions, hotels and motels in EVMWD’s service area must provide guests with an option to not have towels and linens laundered daily. Also, restaurants and other food service establishments can only serve water to customers on request.
EVMWD is dedicated to helping local businesses combat the drought effectively. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has developed a broad plan to reduce water usage in the state in accordance with the Governor’s mandate. All of EVMWD’s customers will need to share the burden and do their part to help meet the new mandate. As a local business owner, understanding how you can successfully reduce water use at work will go hand-in-hand with efforts individuals and families are making at home.
Investigate your landscaping! Check for leaks, and find areas that allow you to reduce or eliminate watering. Converting to a drought tolerant landscape and removing turf can have the biggest impact on conservation and save money. To help get started businesses can request a full audit of water use and a review of previous water bills. Knowing how and where water is being used is just as important as knowing how much is being used.
Your local water agency is the best place to stay informed of the necessary restrictions, get informed about current incentives and rebates, and understand how to minimize the impact of water restrictions on your company’s bottom line.
EVMWD provides ongoing water-saving programs, such as free sprinkler nozzles, a free weather based irrigation controller and free landscape irrigation surveys. In addition, tiered rates and water budgets were implemented to encourage water use efficiency.
A drought tolerant garden at EVMWD’s headquarters illustrates appropriate plants and materials for commercial landscaping. Businesses will play a big role in surviving the drought and finding solutions to conserve Californian’s most important resource.
EVMWD is here to provide tools, incentives and rebates to help lighten the burden of meeting the mandatory restrictions. For more information on EVMWD’s water use efficiency programs and rebates please visit www.evmwd.com/conservation or call (951) 674-3146.
Director of Legislative and Community Affairs for Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.