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Water Conservation: It's for Life

The City of Pleasanton is pleased to announce its latest conservation campaign, which highlights and reminds us what we can each do to protect this precious resource. With the ongoing uncertainty of how much precipitation Mother Nature will provide, coupled with any long term influence related to climate change, we need to protect the water we have.

Water Conservation: It's for Life signs have been placed on Pleasanton fleet vehicles and in our parks to serve as a reminder that even though we are not currently in a severe drought situation, that doesn't mean we shouldn't do all we can to continue to conserve water in our historically arid state.

WHAT WE'VE LEARNED

The drought taught us that the time has come to adapt to a water conservation lifestyle to ensure our community continues to thrive in an uncertain water future. Pleasanton residents rose to the occasion during the drought and exceeded even the state mandated conservation requirement. From irrigating with recycled water, taking shorter showers and using drought tolerant plants and native landscaping and trees, our individual conservation efforts continue to add up to collective water savings.

Pleasanton Drought Helpful Resources

• 2016 Water Conservation Measures handout   

UPDATE COMING SOON: City of Pleasanton's Water Shortage Ordinance (PMC 9.30)

Self-Certification of Supply Reliability for Three Additional Years of Drought

• Want to look up your water use history? Sign Up to access your water account information through the Utility Billing Web Portal.
• Need help reducing your water use? Call the Water Conservation Hotline: (925) 931-5504.

2016 DROUGHT UPDATE

On June 7, 2016 the Pleasanton City Council approved a change in its water conservation targets in recognition of the persistent yet less severe drought conditions, as well the State Water Resources Control Board modifications regarding statewide conservation regulations. The city has established a conservation goal of 10 percent water reduction, as compared to 2013 usage, and will operate under a Stage 1 Water Shortage. Mandatory conservation measures remain in effect to prevent water waste. However, under Stage 1, drought surcharges will NOT be imposed for those who do not achieve the 10 percent reduction goal.

Though we have received a considerable amount of rain this winter, California is still in a drought. Furthermore, the Governor's May 9, 2016 Executive Order (B-37-16) calls for permanent changes to how Californians use water to ensure the protection and resilience of our water in light of continuing limitations to water supply.

How can you help make our water supply more sustainable? The following water-saving tips will keep your household or business water-efficient:

• Limit outdoor watering to no more than 3 nonconsecutive days per week, April 1 through September 30
• Turn off the controller when rain is expected and keep it off for 48 hours after measurable rainfall
• Potable water shall not be used for hose or power washing of driveways, sidewalks, and other hardscapes       
• Eliminate water runoff from irrigation by shortening watering time and adding multiple watering cycles
• Only water landscaping after 6 p.m. and before 9 a.m. to reduce water loss from wind and evaporation
• Wash cars, trucks, etc., only with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle - and remember: no water may enter the storm drain system (includes the gutter)
• CHECK FOR & FIX ALL leaks in and around your home and/or business; these include leaky toilets, faucets, showers, sprinklers, and valves     
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving, or dishwashing by hand
• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes
• Install water-efficient devices, such as faucet aerators and showerheads
• Take shorter showers. Reducing your showering time by 5 minutes can save up to 12.5 gallons of water!
• Keep your pool covered when it's not in use - this will significantly reduce water loss from evaporation

Conserving Water: Our Community Cares

In 2014, Pleasanton was one of the first communities in the state to proactively respond to the drought. This response amounted to a savings of 1.65 billion gallons of precious drinking water compared to water use in 2013! Pleasanton continued leading the way in 2015, saving over 2 billion gallons of drinking water! That's a water savings of 37 percent compared to the amount of water used in our community in 2013! Don't stop now... mindful use of water is the new normal in California. Eliminating water waste and adjusting outdoor watering to avoid excess use beyond the needs of your plants, will protect our limited supply. Clean water is always precious, even when there's a little more of it to go around!