Despite Rain This Winter, Drought and Water Restriction Still Apply

Watering should be done only in the early morning or late at night to minimize water loss due to evaporation and to be sure to water only once every four days.
– Courtesy photo

By Susan Motander

Despite record rains last winter, the drought continues and restrictions on water usage still apply.  While in many parts of the state, the end of the drought has been declared, that does not apply in most of Southern California where the water levels still remain low according to the local water manager.

As City Manager Oliver Chi pointed out in his recent City Manager’s Update, Monrovia draws its water from the Main San Gabriel Water Basin (as do other water agencies in the area) because the drought depleted the reserves the Basin had built up over many years.  The rain this winter did not replenish those reserves.  The Water Manager has reported that the ground water levels at the Key Well need to be above 200 feet.  Currently it is at 177.8 feet and falling according to Chi’s report this week.

Chi’s report went on the say “It is crucial that we as a community continue to conserve water to help build up our water storage levels.”

Chi pointed out that ware usage spikes in the summer month, many times as a result of overwatering, water runoff and evaporation.  He reminded everyone that watering should be done only in the early morning or late at night to minimize water loss due to evaporation and to be sure to water only once every four days.

Technically the city is still under Phase IV Water Conservation Regulations which means:

• Water only once a week (no more than every fourth day).
• No more than 15 minutes per landscape area (This does not apply to drip irrigation systems, new planting of low water usage plants, or if reclaimed water is used).
• Water should only be done before 8 a.m.or after 6 p.m.

For more information on this, visit the Monrovia Conserves section of the city website.

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