ACWD Offers Water Conservation Tips For Newark Customers

NEWARK, CA —The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) has announced several proactive steps it has taken to ready itself for California's worsening draught, and the agency is advising locals about how to do their part to conserve water.

In a release, the ACWD, which serves residents and businesses in Fremont, Newark and Union City, explained how it will meet water demands despite conditions in which 50 California counties have been declared extreme or exceptional draught. Meanwhile, the ACWD is offering products and tips to help its constituents conserve water after Gov. Gavin Newsome's July proclamation called on all Californians for 15 percent voluntary conservation.

According to a release, ACWD's planning for the current dry year supplies began in 2020 using the San Luis Reservoir and a groundwater bank in Kern County to help offset reduction in other imported water supplies.

"We are experienced at managing our water supplies during drought," said ACWD General Manager Ed Stevenson. "Planning for dry years and storing water during wet ones, is factored into our water supply management, as well as planning for supply reductions and climate change."

Despite this preparation, Stevenson noted that a protracted severe drought could lead to the increasing need for water conservation measures by individuals and businesses.

Aziz Akbari, the ACWD's board president, said the agency's customers have shown a willingness to take action when there is a call for conservation.

"ACWD supports the state's call for conservation and encourages our customers to conserve water now," Akbari said. "ACWD's 'One Saves Water' program offers easy tips to help customers save 15 percent - irrigate one less day per week and have each person in the home reduce flushes and shower times."

Additionally, the agency offers simple water "hacks" to aid in conservation, like slightly reducing the amount of car washes, loads of laundry and hosing down of sidewalks, while taking care of faucet leaks.

The ACWD, the release states, also offers free water conservation kits that include low-flow devices and toilet leak detection tablets to help its customers uncover water waste.

For longer-term conservation, ACWD said its residential and business customers can take advantage of rebates, which include up to $2 per square foot of turf replaced and "smart" irrigation controllers. Business customers can receive cash back for installing high-efficiency toilets and urinals.

More information about drought and water conservation is available online at the ACWD's Drought & Conservation Resource Center.