This brings the city to an overall savings of 19 percent (475 million gallons) for the drought period from June 2015 to March 2016, which is 95 percent of the city’s overall state-mandated goal of 20 percent (500 million gallons).
“Although the city has fallen short of its monthly goals recently, we still have the ability to meet our overall goal,” said city Public Works Director Mark Lewis. “Now, more than ever, it is important for everyone to continue their water conservation efforts so we can finish strong and meet our state mandated goal.”
As of Wednesday morning, Jan.6, El Nino storms have delivered 2 inches to 4 inches of rainfall, which is likely to increase by an additional 1-2 inches as the week progresses.
“To a drought-ridden southwest this is a blessing. Now is a perfect time to turn off your sprinklers and let Mother Nature handle the watering of your plants until spring,” Lewis said.
City officials remind residents that watering during and within 48 hours of significant rainfall is prohibited. Watering during rain events provides no benefit to lawns or plants. Instead, the water flows off private property into streets becoming urban water runoff that can wash litter, pet waste, motor oil, pesticides and other pollutants into the storm drain where it flows untreated into our oceans.