Marin Water declares initial stages of drought, asks customers to conserve by Marin Water Feb 24, 2021 Member Submitted News With low rainfall and reservoir storage levels, Marin Water’s Board of Directors approved a resolution Tuesday adopting initial drought conservation actions. The resolution outlines voluntary conservation actions for the district’s customers to reduce water use in the months ahead. “Last year was the second-driest year in 90 years, which has critically impacted our reservoir levels,” said Marin Water Board President Cynthia Koehler. “While we hope for more rain in the coming weeks, it’s important that we reach out to the community now before we get to drier weather in the summer. Water use efficiency is our most cost-effective source of supply, and we have a terrific conservation team at Marin Water and a range of programs and incentives to support consumers in conserving water, not just this year but for the long term.” A lack of rainfall and the warmer weather has impacted reservoir storage levels. Storage levels are currently at 57 percent capacity, compared with a historical average of 86 percent for this time of year. The district’s reservoirs saw less than half the average rainfall for this time of year. To preserve the limited water supply, customers are asked to voluntary turn off irrigation systems. If necessary, water only by hand no more than three days a week. Adding compost and mulch to gardens, replacing lawns with water-efficient landscaping, and installing smart irrigation controllers are also recommended. The district offers free water-efficient faucet aerators, showerheads, and shutoff nozzles for hoses, as well as rebates for lawn replacements, irrigation controllers, and graywater systems. Simple changes in daily routines—including turning off the water while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers and repairing leaky toilets and faucets promptly—also make a difference. The water district is also making important adjustments to manage its tight supply during the drought, including suspending water main flushing, exploring other supply opportunities, and responding to leaks or main breaks as quickly as possible. For a full list of water conservation tips, rebates and programs, visit MarinWater.org/Conserve, or email Marin Water at Conservation@MarinWater.org.
