We’re in a drought. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made it official
last week with California’s first such declaration in 17 years.
We already knew, really.
We’re in a drought. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made it official last week with California’s first such declaration in 17 years.
We already knew, really.
California has seen some of its driest weather in recorded history in recent months. It’s the second straight year of below-normal precipitation, and this spring was the driest on record for the Sierra Nevada. …
The problem is felt no less acutely here in the Inland Empire, where a Stage 1 emergency has been declared by the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department, meaning the agency will ramp up conservation efforts. …
Though local water officials say the Inland Empire is not at immediate risk of rationing, the alarm has been sounded. This should drive home the urgency of conservation. …
Local water agencies are working to drought-proof the region. Some are using recycled, treated wastewater for outdoor irrigation, for example.
But residents must do their part. If everyone cut in half the amount of water used on their lawns, it could result in a 30 percent savings statewide, water officials say.
And if calls for voluntary cuts don’t work, then water agencies need to offer more incentives to change behavior. Some already provide rebates to residents who upgrade homes with water-saving technology.
The debate has only just begun over Schwarzenegger’s proposed $12 million bond to finance water projects across the state … – there’s no dispute that conservation stretches water supplies.
Let’s get serious about it.
This editorial first appeared in the San Bernardino County Sun on Sunday.
