MWD Urges Customers to Conserve Water

With climate change and potential severity of future droughts unknown, voluntary conservation continues to be an essential component for water supply planning locally and statewide. Historically, Montecito Water District customers have been able to reduce demands when necessary. In 2009, SBX7-7 set a requirement for urban water suppliers to reduce demands 20% by 2020. The District was in full compliance with SBX7-7 water use targets in both 2015 and 2020, with customer conservation ranging as high as 56%.

However, District water consumption began increasing when the drought subsided in 2019 and continues to climb. At the same time, with the lack of rainfall in 2020 and 2021 to date, extreme drought conditions have returned. Avoiding water waste is again a “must do” for all customers in the face of many unknowns, and the District is intent on getting the word out and providing conservation tips. Community awareness and action is needed to ensure that water supplies secured through careful planning will be sufficient. 

“With the drought condition worsening, we are asking all customers to partner with us immediately to reduce usage,” stated Nick Turner, general manager. “The District is well positioned with a drought resilient portfolio, but customer use is now over-budget and supplies are not unlimited.” 

The District urges all customers to compare current usage with prior years and make adjustments as needed to reduce use, monitor carefully for leaks, and to take advantage of a free consultation with the District’s Conservation Specialist. Additional information is available at www.montecitowater.com, or by calling (805) 969-2271.

Also happening at the District, last week MWD’s Board of Directors voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 2212 to adopt the Urban Water Management Plan 2020 update. The Plan may now be submitted to the California Department of Water Resource (DWR) for review and filing prior to the July 1, 2021 deadline. 

The Plan addresses three challenges that are unique to the District’s service area of Montecito and Summerland, which pertain to population, desalinated water, and small agricultural operations. For more information about the Plan, visit www.montecitowater.com.