Water conservation efforts in Citrus Heights have far-exceeded most areas of the state, with both main water suppliers for the city reporting a 42 percent cumulative drop in water use in June and July, according to the latest statewide water-use report issued this week.
The water savings exceeds state-imposed conservation goals of 32 percent for the Citrus Heights Water District and 20 percent for California-American Water — both of which serve the majority of city residents and businesses with water. The local conservation efforts also exceed the statewide average water savings of 31 percent for July and the state’s cumulative savings of 29.5 percent for June and July, compared to the 2013 baseline water use.
[State report: See how each water district did around the state]
“Our residents are doing a great job in conserving,” Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost said in response to the latest water report, although she expressed concern about trees dying from those who have “stopped watering altogether.”
Her concern is also reflected by the statewide “save our water” program, which highlights shade, cooling and landscape water-reduction benefits trees can provide — as well as the length of time needed to re-grow trees lost to lack of water. Mature trees are recommended to be deep-watered one to two times per month, while young trees need weekly watering, according to Saveourwater.com.
[Related: Free ‘WaterSmart’ workshop coming to Citrus Heights]
Water district consumption data from across the state is required to be reported each month to the California Water Resources Control Board, following emergency water conservation regulations passed in May. Beginning in June of this year, the Board began issuing monthly reports detailing statewide water use and conservation savings.
August water use data is expected to be released at the end of September.
