http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

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The Livermore city council chose to adopt emergency water rates effective April 29 to motivate residents to conserve water. The emergency water rates were intended to deter high-volume users, whose bills will increase considerably, whereas residents who curb their water use by at least 30 percent may see a slight decrease in their water bill. The aim of the new rate structure is to reduce outdoor water use by half and indoor water use by 5 percent. The emergency rates will probably remain in place through September. The Tri-Valley, including the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon, get 80 percent of their water from the State Water Project, said the Livermore public works director, putting these cities in a tight spot through the summer until the SWP is anticipated to increase its allocation to the Zone 7 Water Agency, covering the Tri-Valley. Livermore is the first city in the East Bay to increase water rates due to drought and water shortages. The Dublin/San Ramon Services District and Pleasanton City Council will consider taking similar steps on May 5 and 6, respectively. San Jose Mercury News (Calif.), April 29, 2014 Water suppliers for Livermore, Dublin and part of San Ramon are considering drought rates on homes and businesses that would drive up monthly bills for customers who do not cut their water use by 30 to 35 percent. Voluntary water restrictions have not brought about the level of desired water conservation as the main water source for these communities, the State Water Project, will only provide 5 percent of requested water. The Dublin San Ramon Community Services District Board plans to hold a special meeting to discuss the proposed drought rate increase with the public. The goal of the rate increase is to lower water use by 35 percent among the 67,000 people served by the district. The Livermore City Council will discuss and may vote on its proposed drought rates on April 28. Their aim is to curb water use by 30 percent among the 29,000 people in the district. Stage 3 of Livermore’s conservation plan is designed to penalize heavy users, but not average users who cut their water use by 30 to 35 percent. Livermore was striving for a 50 percent reduction in outdoor water use and 5 percent in indoor water use. San Jose Mercury News (Calif.), April 21, 2014