Preparing for Drought

Photo from the State of California Save Our Water campaign.

The entire state is facing unprecedented water shortages due to extreme drought, and residents across California will likely be asked to cut back on water use as never before. It is imperative that we save water today to extend our water supplies.

Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) has planned for this situation by investing in additional water supplies to ensure you continue to have the water you need. Water efficiency is up to all of us, even in areas like ours that are fortunate to have stable supplies. Drought impacts everyone and it is vital we take steps to conserve, along with the rest of California – especially since we don’t know how long this drought will continue or when the next dry season will arrive.

Making small changes to water habits today will help protect our water supply through the drought and ensure longer-term sustainability for generations to come. Here are some quick, easy actions you can take to begin saving immediately:

• Fill the sink or a basin when washing your dishes by hand, instead of leaving the water running
• Match the water level on your washing machine to the size of the load
• Thaw food in the fridge, not under running water
• Place mulch around outdoor plants to reduce evaporation
• Wash your pets outside in an area that needs water
• Turn off your sprinklers on windy days to avoid watering the sidewalk and driveway

Check out the following resources for even more simple steps that can have a big impact:

• California’s Save Our Water website
• BCVWD Water Conservation Tips
• BCVWD Water Conservation and Leak Check Pocket Guide
• BCVWD Facebook Page

BCVWD relies on local groundwater and supplies imported via the State Water Project to meet your daily needs such as cooking, cleaning, bathing and drinking. Many of the state’s reservoirs are at below-average levels and, as of April 2022, statewide storage is at just 48 percent of the system’s total capacity. *

While some urban areas are experiencing water restrictions now, BCVWD’s water supply remains steady. We maintain a strong relationship with our State Water Project contractor, participate in regional partnerships to protect the local groundwater supply, strategically import extra water when possible, and have enough water strategically secured and stored to last more than three years. Your water will remain dependable, as always.

Drought restrictions will mandate customers to step up their conservation game. The more we save now, the better positioned our region will be to mitigate the impact of the drought and support statewide conservation efforts.

Even as required cutbacks are implemented, your water service will continue uninterrupted. For more information on how BCVWD is prepared to continue safe, reliable service during drought, go to bcvwd.org/notices/beaumont-cherry-valley-water-district-urban-water-management-plan-outlines-drought-water-reduction-stages-for-the-district. Or read our Water Shortage Contingency Plan outlining six stages of emergency measures in the event of a water shortage.

*April 1 Snow Survey, California Department of Water Resources: saveourwater.com/News-and-Events/Latest-News/April-Snow-Survey