Sacramento asks residents to cut water use by 15 percent amid worsening drought
Learn how to save water, find rebates, fix leaks and take care of trees during drought conditions.
Sacramento (Aug. 24, 2021) The Sacramento City Council Tuesday declared a Stage 2 ‘Water Alert’ and called on residents, businesses and city operations to voluntarily reduce water use by 15 percent.
Fines for water waste will also be doubled as a result of Tuesday’s action, and car washing will be allowed only on a property’s watering days, currently restricted to two days a week.
The Council also allocated $1.8 million to fund enhanced incentives being offered through the end of the year to utility customers who conserve water by replacing thirsty lawns or inefficient toilets and washers.
The City declaration reflects the worsening drought conditions in the state and region. This past winter, a spring heat wave melted snow in the Sierra Nevada and severely reduced the amount of water flowing into Folsom Lake and other reservoirs that drain the Sierra Nevada. Folsom Lake is currently only 25 percent full.
On July 7, 2021 the City Manager declared a Stage 1 ‘Water Watch’ which directed city staff, residents, and businesses to voluntarily reduce water use by up to 10 percent, reflecting an executive order issued by Gov. Newsom in May. On July 8, the governor issued an executive order calling for Californians to voluntarily conserve 15 percent.
The City’s Department of Utilities (DOU) drought response has included significantly reducing use of surface water from the American River and increasing use of Sacramento River water and groundwater, increasing outreach to customers on efficient water use and conservation programs and increasing water patrols to help educate customers about water waste. To further encourage efficient water use, current water conservation related rebate levels have been temporarily doubled during July through December 2021. In July, DOU received 424 River Friendly landscape rebate and 62 toilet rebate applications.
If you are interested in reducing your water use, learning more about the City’s water conservation efforts or participating in the Department of Utilities rebate program, please visit the City’s Water Conservation page here.
Water conservation stages
