Pacific Grove Mayor Bill Kampe recently issued updates on drought measures. He stresses reduction of landscape watering.
State drought restrictions are in the news. Most of California is in severe drought. State temperatures are rising. Every year of the 21st century is warmer than the average of the previous 105 recorded years in California. Snowpack is extremely low.
The state drought actions include 3 major elements:
- Eliminate water wasting
- Conserve – mandatory
- Enforce
The good news for our Peninsula is that we are one of the leaders in the state for water conservation. Still, we face an 8% reduction.
You can find more useful information on the Water Management District website at http://www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us/wdd/default.html
Residential Action Plan
The top priority is to reduce landscape watering. Water only on Wednesdays and Saturdays – that’s the regulation – and before 9am or after 5pm. Consider replacing lawn with drought tolerant landscape plants. And make sure the irrigation waters plants, not the street or sidewalk. No watering within 48 hours after rain.
Other actions include:
- No washing of sidewalks with potable water
- Wash cars only with automatic shutoff on the hose (car wash is better)
- Replace your laundry washing machine with a high efficiency model. Rebates almost pay for the swap.
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) has led the long term and successful effort for water conservation without the use of fines. However, the State Water Resources Control Board now directs that fines be applied for violations. So you may hear stories of excessive water users being fined. So far, 7 fines have been issued.
Pacific Grove Local Water Project
Our local water project is moving forward with a target date of November, 2016, for operation. Contractors have submitted bids for the design/build phase, and we will be making a selection soon. The project will provide treated waste water to irrigate the golf course and cemetery, replacing the potable water now used.
As always, thank you so much for your support. And feel free to contact me on any issue that concern you.
Bill Kampe
Mayor, City of Pacific Grove
Email: bill@billkampe.org
Website: www.billkampe.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KampeForMayor
Phone: 831-521-7936
