Concord, Calif. (May 19, 2016) – The temporary drought charge and mandatory water-use reductions for people in Central Contra Costa County will go away next month, after the Contra Costa Water District (District) Board of Directors voted to reverse most of last year’s water-use restrictions.
Wednesday’s move came on the same day the State Water Resources Control Board approved plans that allow urban water providers to determine their own conservation standards.
“We’re no longer calling for the sacrifices we did in recent years, but we are asking people to continue using water wisely,” said Board President Lisa M. Borba. “Our customers exceeded the call for conservation and we are grateful.”
The new rules roll back several elements of the District’s drought program that were approved in 2015, including the elimination of mandatory water-use reductions, temporary drought charges and the two-day per week limit on outdoor irrigation.
Water-use prohibitions to prevent wasteful water use—like hosing off driveways, creating excess runoff and watering after rainfall—were made permanent, as mandated by state actions.
Mandatory water-use reductions were eliminated and the temporary drought charge ends June 4.
Earlier this year, the District received a full water allocation from the federal Central Valley Project and in April began to refill its Los Vaqueros Reservoir near Brentwood. Those supplies provide enough water to meet customer demands and create a reserve for next year even if drought conditions persist, without mandating specific water-use reductions.
“With the rebound in regional water supplies, we are confident in our ability to meet the needs of our customers,” Borba said. “The actions taken by our Board support long-term conservation and are consistent with the changes set by the state.”
For more information about the District’s water supply, visit www.ccwater.com
