CCWD Temporary Drought Surcharge Removed, Drought Rules Roll Back A huge thank you for your efforts to conserve water as we navigated a third year of drought.
CCWD thanks all customers for taking additional steps to conserve water under extended drought conditions. Your efforts to use water efficiently have helped us stretch the water banked in Los Vaqueros Reservoir to respond to recent dry conditions.
Following several months of storms bringing much needed rain and snow to California, the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) Board voted to roll back its Drought Management Program, ending the temporary drought surcharge and lifting most temporary water use prohibitions. If you have questions related to the drought management program, please call 925-688-8000.
At the end of April, Los Vaqueros Reservoir held more than 35 billion gallons of water, or just more than two-thirds of its capacity. Through the spring storms, CCWD has been able to divert water from the Delta to replenish what was used from Los Vaqueros to meet demands and to ensure we are prepared for future shortages.
While there is enough water to meet needs this year, CCWD continues to encourage customers to use water efficiently and to avoid any waste.
California and our local region are recovering from the prolonged water supply shortage, and we must be prepared for cycles of drought and deluge. CCWD customers can learn about water efficiency rebates and resources at ccwater.com/conserve.
Spring Is the Time for a Sprinkler Spruce Up! Rising temperatures mean that irrigation season is here.
Before jumping back into turning on your irrigation controller and watering your landscape, make sure to first spruce up your sprinkler system. Winter weather can be harsh on irrigation systems, damaging sprinkler components or freezing pipes and valves. Just one broken or missing sprinkler component could waste as much as 1,000 gallons of water per week and up to 25,000 gallons of water in six months—which is why it’s so important to give your sprinkler system a little TLC this spring.
Inspect, Connect, Direct, and Select. You can complete a “sprinkler spruce-up” this spring in four steps: Inspect, Connect, Direct, and Select.
First, inspect your system for missing or broken sprinkler heads and or broken pipes. Turn on each sprinkler station/zone to see how everything is operating.
Leaks can also occur at the joints between sprinklers and the piping, so connect sprinklers, pipes, and valves well to prevent water waste.
Direct sprinklers towards your yard and away from sidewalks and driveways to avoid runoff. Make sure to check for clogged, blocked, misdirected, and improper spray patterns and make adjustments as necessary.
Finally, to ensure your yard isn’t overwatered, select a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller or make sure your irrigation controller is programmed to irrigate effectively and efficiently.
CCWD ‘Sprinkler Spruce Up’ Resources
Contra Costa Water District has several resources to help you make the most out of every drop this irrigation season:
Are you watering too many days per week? Take a peek at our Lawn and Landscape Watering Schedule – available in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF) – for recommended run times, start times, and how often to water throughout the year.
Watch our new video below all about programming your irrigation controller to help you irrigate like a pro.
Irrigation Controller:
Programming Tips to Maximize Your Water Savings
Save money on a smart irrigation controller with CCWD's Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate. It is estimated that up to 50% of the water applied to landscapes is wasted due to incorrect controller settings and infrequent controller settings adjustments. WaterSense labeled weather-based smart irrigation controllers can automatically adjust watering schedules based on local weather and landscape conditions.
Want to save even more water? Consider converting your sprinklers to a drip irrigation system. If you are interested in how to properly install drip irrigation or just need a drip irrigation system maintenance refresher, make sure to join our upcoming Drip Irrigation 101: How to Install a Drip Irrigation System webinar on Thursday, May 11, at 10 a.m.
19th Annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
This weekend, Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., don’t miss this free, in-person event!
The 19th Annual Bringing Back the Native Garden Tour features 55 beautiful Alameda and Contra Costa native plant gardens to inspire you to transform your own garden. This self-drive event allows you to choose the gardens and homes you’d like to see, and go at your own pace – visit as many gardens as you like! Plus, CCWD staff will be at the Niemeyer garden in Clayton on May 7.Register here!
Not sure where to start to transform your own garden? We’re here to help! Check out these resources:
There are several water efficient landscape focused events throughout May and June. View upcoming events on our Conservation Calendar.
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