Governor declares statewide drought emergency

Early last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a revised State Proclamation addressing the statewide drought emergency. The new proclamation includes Southern California counties, including Riverside County, in its application.

In July, the governor asked Californians to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 15% This goal has not been met. With the anticipated arrival of a second La Niña weather pattern bringing less precipitation and warmer temperatures, the governor has extended his earlier executive order.

During the last drought, Californians reduced water use by 21% from 2013 to 2016. Since then, use has begun to increase. Today’s use is about 16% less than the 2013 volume.

“As the western U.S. faces a potential third year of drought, it’s critical that Californians across the state redouble our efforts to save water in every way possible,” Newsom said in the press release announcing the actions.

The new order also gives the State Water Resources Control Board authority to adopt emergency regulations prohibiting using potable water for certain non-human consumption purposes. Examples would include washing a vehicle without using a hose with nozzle or using potable water to wash streets, driveways, patios and other outside areas.

The three local water districts are already in water conservation stages. None are in mandatory restrictions. Eliminating washing down driveways or washing vehicles without a nozzle on the hose are some of the voluntary restrictions the local districts already asked of customers.

Last month, Newsom signed a budget bill providing more than $5 billion for water resource and drought emergency projects and programs. This includes $200 million for small community drought relief.

The local water district general managers were not concerned about the proclamation and did not expect it to have much effect on their customers.

Both Victor Jimenez, Fern Valley Water District, and Jerry Holdber, Pine Cove Water District, strongly vouched for the efforts of their customers already reducing water use.

“I hope the [proclamation] will bring to light that we are in a drought,” Jimenez said. “Most people up here don’t waste water.”

FVWD moved to its Water Conservation Stage 3 in September, but Jimenez said it could go to Stage 4.

At Idyllwild Water District, General Manager Leo Havener said the district’s wells were all at good levels and “all but one are above the average; it’s wonderful.”

Consequently, he expects soon to recommend returning to a Stage 1 from the current Stage 2 Water Emergency.

PCWD has been in Water Conservation Stage 1 for a while, which asks for voluntary conservation. Holldber said he does not recommend reassessing that until spring after the winter precipitation; unless “… the state requires us to be in a mandatory conservation mode, we would comply.

“I believe the people of Pine Cove are cutting back and continue to conserve,” he added.