2 years ago
FOLSOM, CA - It's been two weeks since Governor Schwarzenegger announced that California is in the midst of a drought. But most Sacramento area water agencies have not responded to his call for aggressive water conservation measures.
"We instituted conservation measures last fall. We want a 20 percent reduction in water use throughout the city," Folsom city utilities director Ken Payne said.
Although the water level is so low on the Folsom Reservoir that boaters will have to remove their boats from the marina by July 2, most residents seemed unaware of the conservation campaign.
"I'm not letting my water run," explained Johnny Winters as the long-haul truck driver washed his semi-truck after three weeks on the road. "I'm going to do the same thing I've always been doing. I just sprinkle it. I don't waste any more water than anyone else. I don't let my sprinklers run all night. They're on timers."
When asked if he could cut his water use by 20 percent, Winters said, "What am I going to do? Maybe I could take only one shower a week. The city needs to cut back on all the grass watering they do."
Payne said city workers are trying to reduce landscape watering.
"We have a full staff, about a half dozen people, that do free water audits for residents," Payne said. The workers will check home irrigation systems to see if they're working properly and educate residents about water reduction. "They can use low-flow toilets and showerheads and instead of washing the driveway, they can use a broom," Payne said.
Most Folsom customers do not have meters and pay a flat rate for monthly water use, but the city hopes to install water meters throughout the city by 2012. "We expect water use to drop dramatically when residents see how much they actually use. A lot of time, they're surprised," Payne said.
But Winters isn't sure meters will spur water conservation. "You'll say, I have a meter so I'm going to save," said Winters. "But the city will say we're not making any money so we'll have to charge you a service fee for somebody to come out and read your meter. So, either way you're going to lose. They're going to get you."
The city of Roseville issued a Stage One Water Alert in April. It calls for a 10 percent reduction in water usage. Restaurants are encouraged to only give customers water upon request. Washing sidewalks, driveways and buildings have been banned.
In severe drought conditions, Sacramento area cities tell residents to water on certain days and issues fines to those who waste water. But Payne said it doesn't appear likely that happen anytime soon. "If the drought continues, then we may look at that next year," Payne said.
News10/KXTV
