Californians' water use up in March, April 2022
7/12/2022 12:00:00 AM
CATEGORIES:
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Society & Public Health
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
California
Start Date: 3/1/2022
- End Date: 5/31/2022
Water conservation in May was 3.1% statewide as Northern Californians curbed water use by 8.5%, while Southern Californians cut by 2.2%. This is still shy of the 15% water conservation compared to 2020 levels that Gov. Newsom requested in July 2021.
The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.), July 8, 2022
Amid California’s third year of drought, urban water use was up 17.6% in April, despite Gov. Newsom’s call to conserve 15% compared to a year ago. April is the third month in 2022 where water use has risen instead of decreased.
San Francisco Chronicle (Calif.), June 7, 2022
Californians’ water use in March was up 18.9% from March 2020 as people watered lawns earlier than usual amid the driest start to the year on record. Water use averaged 77 gallons per person per day. Even though Gov. Newsom asked for 15% water conservation, water use has gradually risen. Statewide, water consumption is up just 3.7% since July compared to 2020, falling short of Newsom’s 15% goal.
To encourage additional water conservation, Gov. Newsom pledged to direct $100 million toward a statewide advertising campaign. He also vowed to spend $211 million to save more water in state government buildings by replacing plumbing fixtures and irrigation controls.
Associated Press News (New York), May 10, 2022
Sources