Inland Empire Utilities Agency Passes Voluntary Drought Resolution

Community is asked to Reduce Water Use by 20 Percent

(click here to download this press release as a pdf)

Inland Empire, California – The State of California is experiencing record dry conditions, with 2014 projected to become one of the driest years on record. In response to the current drought and Governor Brown’s declared Drought State of Emergency, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency Board of Directors adopted a drought resolution on April 16 requesting a voluntary 20 percent water use reduction. To view the drought resolution, please visit ieuadev.wpengine.com and click on the “Use Water Wisely” tab. The resolution is located on the “Water Shortage and Drought Response” page.

What does a 20 percent reduction look like? The average Californian uses 196 gallons of water per day however, fixing leaky toilets saves 30-50 gallons per day/toilet and washing only full loads of clothes saves 15-45 gallons per load. The following tips will help the community reduce their water use and help meet the voluntary 20 percent water use reduction:

OUTDOOR TIPS:

  • Choose climate appropriate and drought-resistant trees and plants.
  • Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
  • Adjust sprinklers to avoid unnecessary overspray.
  • Install a more-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for trees, shrubs, and flowers.
  • Adjust irrigation controllers, seasonally.
  • Water more frequently in shorter schedules to create healthier and stronger landscapes and reduce overspray and run-off.
  • Put 2-4 inches of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch also improves the soil andprevents weed growth.
  • Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and patios.
  • Wash cars/boats with a bucket, sponge, and a hose with a self-closing nozzle.INDOOR TIPS:
    • Use the washing machine for full loads only to save water and energy.
    • Purchase a qualifying high efficiency clothes washer and receive a $150 rebate.
    • Run the dishwasher only when full to save water and energy.
    • Install a water and energy efficient dishwasher.
    • Install aerators on the kitchen and bathroom faucets to reduce flows to less than 1 gallon per minute.
    • Install high efficiency showerheads.
    • Take five minute showers instead of 10 minute showers.
    • Fill the bathtub halfway or less.
    • Install a high-efficiency toilet.
    • Turn water off when brushing teeth or shaving.
    • Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.As the summer days get longer and warmer, it’s important to be water wise. For more tips and water saving rebates visit ieuadev.wpengine.com. Visit www.iegardenfriendly.com for a list of climate appropriate plants.

      The Inland Empire Utilities Agency covers 242-square miles, distributes imported water, provides industrial/municipal wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services to more than 830,000 people. The Agency’s service area includes the Cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario and Upland, as well as the Cucamonga Valley Water District, Monte Vista Water District, and Fontana Water Company.

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