Despite cooler temperatures this week and possible precipitation as well, many have not forgotten the fraught drought situation in California, and some local officials are working towards solutions.
San Jose's Mayor Sam Liccardo announced on Thursday a mandate to limit outdoor watering in the Bay Area's largest city to two days per week.
"Worsening air quality, wildfires, and dire conditions for Californians require all of us to make necessary sacrifices to reduce our water use," said Liccardo in a press release. "Every small decision we make will bolster our ability to keep our state resilient in the face of climate change."
The mandate would require those with odd-numbered and numberless addresses to water on Mondays and Thursdays, and those with even-numbered addresses on Tuesdays and Fridays. The requirement aligns with what the San Jose Water Company has already urged customers to do.
The City Council will consider the proposal soon. The city is also revising its existing water-efficient landscape ordinance to ban lawns in new developments.
"This more aggressive approach is what we need to take to really conserve in this challenging time," said Liccardo.
The city has already made progress in its goal. San Jose Municipal Water was able to reduce water use in August 2021 by 28 percent compared to August 2013, before the drought began.
For continued efforts, San Jose Water plans to use its $100 million budget for pipe construction and tank improvements, efficient response to leaks through the deployment of acoustic sensors, a water main flushing truck that recycles water, and a plan to deploy smart water meters throughout the local service area.
"It is more critical than ever that Californians work together to conserve water," said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. "Everyone can be a part of the solution."
Fryday offered a timely tip to help conserve water, "Because it’s Fleet Week, take a Navy shower," he said. A "Navy shower" is essentially, "a shower of less than five minutes."
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