With Alert System in Place, Water Use Sees a Decline, According to Officals

An alert system designed to stave off summer water shortages appears to be working, as local water agencies report a single-digit reduction in water usage despite recent heat spells.

Local water companies reported an average 3- to 4-percent drop in water usage in the past two months when compared to the same period last year, local water officials said. Officials say the drop is due in part to the Water Conservation Alert System, a color-coded system implemented in late June that signals to residents suggested steps for conserving water. But recent mild weather may also be a factor.

The system has been in place since late June for Valley Water Company, Crescenta Valley Water District, Mesa Crest Water Company, La Cañada Irrigation District, two water purveyors in Altadena and the Foothill Municipal Water District, the local wholesale water provider.

At the CVWD, the agency that devised the three-color system, water use has not seen dramatic spikes during periods of hot weather since the system was implemented, said CVWD program specialist Christy Ariey.

Large jumps in usage are absent, but the amount of water the district sells to its 32,000 customers is higher now than it was last summer, according to CVWD statistics.

Water production for July 2004 - some 6.57 million gallons per day - was 0.9 percent more than the daily average water production for the same period in 2003, and 2.9 percent higher than July averages for the past five years. Water production for June 2004 - 5.88 million gallons per day - was 13 percent more than daily average production for June 2003 and nearly 5 percent more than June average for the previous five years.

For all but one week the system has remained at the "green alert" level, signifying that residents should observe standard water conservation guidelines. The system went to "yellow alert," the level that calls for minimized outdoor water use, for one week. The "red" level, when the agencies may have difficulty meeting peak water demands for a protracted length of time, has not been reached. The level of alert is tied to water supply levels, the condition of equipment and well operation.

A six-year drought has left depleted supplies in groundwater wells. Local water agencies purchase their imported water, which makes up 50 to 100 percent of water sold locally, from the FMWD. The FMWD has seen its water sales level off, said FMWD Interim General Manager Jay Malinowski.