City Asks Residents to Conserve Water

— Information from the City of Roseville

The City of Roseville’s Environmental Utilities Department is urging its residential and commercial water customers to continue to use water wisely in light of the lack of overall snow pack this winter.  The city recently received its preliminary water supply allocation projection from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the federal agency that operates Folsom Reservoir, based upon Feb. 1 snowpack data. This early projection shows that Roseville will receive 75 percent of its historical water usage in 2012.

The city’s water supply primarily comes from Folsom Reservoir, which gets its water from run-off from the Sierra Nevada mountains via the American River.  While the City of Roseville is not requiring any specific water cutback percentage or initiating any drought stage at this time, it is urging its customers to use water wisely and take advantage of its wide range of water efficiency programs and rebates.

Even with the series of storm systems currently moving into northern California, there is concern that the overall lack of precipitation over the past several months will still lead to an overall dry year.  Roseville staff are currently working on contingency plans and coordinating with other agencies in the region in preparation for the next round of water supply data due from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in late March and April.  Based on data at that time, Roseville will determine the final course of action.

“It’s important for us to begin the initial contingency planning for what could turn into an official drought,” said Derrick Whitehead, director for environmental utilities. “In the meantime, until we get more definitive data on water run-off from the mountains, we need to ask our customers to take extra steps to use water wisely – both in incorporating good water use habits, being cognizant of water waste and taking advantage of our free water efficiency programs and rebates.”

Water Efficient Habits

Roseville residents can use water efficiently by incorporating these easy water habits:

• Water leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water. Regularly check toilets, faucets, sprinkler heads, valves and hoses for water leaks.
• Adjust your irrigation schedule as the seasons change. Landscapes do not require the same amount of water in the spring and fall as they do in the hot summer months.
• Check your irrigation system regularly for broken or mis-adjusted sprinklers and repair or replace immediately.

Water Efficiency Programs and Rebates

Roseville residents are also encouraged to take advantage of generous rebates and free water efficiency programs. The City of Roseville’s Irrigation Efficiency Program, for example, could cover up to 100 percent of the cost of eligible parts. Replacing grass lawns with water-wise landscaping, through the city’s Cash for Grass Program, can reduce irrigation use by 20 to 50 percent. And high-efficiency clothes washers, that the city provides rebates for, use just 15 gallons per load, versus 45 gallons for traditional washers. Check out the city’s Cash for Grass, clothes washer, toilet, and other rebate programs at www.roseville.ca.us/rebates. 

The City of Roseville also offers free Water-Wise House Calls. A water efficiency expert will come to a customer’s home and help them assess their indoor and outdoor water use.  House calls are available weekdays and can be set up by calling 916-774-5761. 

For full list of water-efficiency tips, programs and rebates, visit www.roseville.ca.us/savewater.