LVMWD Activates Stage 1 of Water Shortage Contingency Plan by Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Jun 16, 2021 Member Submitted News CALABASAS – LVMWD’s Board Directors initiated its Water Shortage Contingency Plan at Stage 1, which consists of a Water Shortage Alert, in response to worsening drought conditions. The resolution comes as 85% of California is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought based on data reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor. With an unimpressive Northern Sierra snowpack and lower-than-expected runoff to the state’s major reservoirs, the California Department of Water Resources recently lowered its allocation of water supplied via the State Water Project to 29 contractors throughout the state from 10% to 5% of their requested amounts. Meanwhile, the water elevation in Lake Mead has dropped such that a first-ever shortage declaration on the Colorado River is expected by year-end. Given the conditions, customers are being asked to tighten up their residential water use – especially for outdoor irrigation – to avoid future shortages. “We are not experiencing water shortages this year due to the drought,” explained LVMWD General Manager David Pedersen. “However, conditions could change quickly next year if we have another dry winter. Now is the time to remind our customers that efficient water use is important for everyone to avoid the potential of future shortages.” The District’s Stage 1 Water Shortage Contingency Plan places a renewed focus on assisting, educating, and inspiring customers to use water wisely, day in and day out. Efficient customers are encouraged to keep up the good work, while customers whose water usage falls into inefficient tiers are encouraged to minimize outdoor irrigation, and reach out to the District for assistance. “A large number of our customers have already been using water efficiently,” commented LVMWD Board President Jay Lewitt. “Our region is no stranger to meeting the moment when it comes to complying with emergency measures. We want anyone who may be struggling with reducing their water use to reach out and let us assist.” On April 21st, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for portions of California due to the second year of drought conditions, calling for state agencies to take specific and immediate actions to mitigate the effects of drought conditions. The Governor significantly expanded the declaration on May 10th. The District’s drought response measures can be elevated as conditions evolve. Be sure to follow LVMWD on Facebook, Twitter @lvmwd and Instagram @LasVirgenes_MWD to join the conversation. Las Virgenes Municipal Water District provides potable water, wastewater treatment, recycled water and biosolids composting to more than 70,000 residents in the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village, and unincorporated areas of western Los Angeles County. ###