Alameda County Water District Board of Directors Rescinds Drought Ordinance by Alameda County Water District Apr 12, 2023 Member Submitted News The Alameda County Water District Board of Directors made an important move to ease water use restrictions with a unanimous vote during its April 11 meeting to rescind its water shortage emergency ordinance and related restrictions effective immediately once the State Water Resources Control Board ends its emergency regulations. The State Water Board’s regulation requires agencies to implement measures to address water shortage levels of 10-20% and is currently set to expire on June 10. The easing of restrictions follows a March 24 announcement increasing the State Water Project’s allocation of water to 75% and an executive order issued by Governor Newsom rolling back some drought provisions while encouraging Californians to make conservation a way of life. Winter storms delivered over 30 inches of local rainfall, nearly 172% of average, returning groundwater levels to normal operating ranges. Current and forecasted supplies and customers’ sustained water use efficiency have positioned ACWD to meet ordinary demands without depleting the water supply or diminishing its quality. The ACWD board rescinded drought surcharges effective April 1, signaling that the end of enhanced water use restrictions was expected. “Drought challenged our state for several years, but our customers committed to conservation and in 2022, saved enough water for 13,000 households for one year. Because of conservation and improved water supplies, we can lift restrictions,” said ACWD Board President Paul Sethy. For customers, the decision eliminates of restrictions on outdoor irrigation, using decorative fountains, draining and refilling swimming pools, and other outdoor water uses once the State emergency regulations end. The repeal eases some water use restrictions, yet the wasteful use of water remains prohibited. The State has retained some prohibitions for the time being, including a ban on irrigating non-functional turf for commercial businesses and using sprinklers within 48 hours of rainfall. “As we transition out of the current drought, we ask customers to keep water use top-of-mind and make improvements for the long haul. Replacing turf with water-efficient plants is one of the best ways to be a water-wise Californian, and we have rebates to help our customers do that,” said Sethy. While this year’s storms brought drought relief, the state’s weather remains vulnerable to climate change. Weather whiplash increases the frequency of extreme precipitation and more prolonged, drier conditions. ACWD is readying for climate change and future droughts with its Climate Adaptation Plan and planning for the community’s long-term water supply needs by investing in advanced metering and progressive integrated resources planning. For more information on water use efficiency and local and statewide conditions, visit acwd.org/drought. # # #