Last year, Northern California experienced one of the wettest winters on record. Unfortunately, we in the southern part of the state had only an average water year and this winter we received only about a third of our normal precipitation. Except for a few average years, our region is currently in a drought that has lasted for 20 years.
In California, droughts are not uncommon. Through studies of tree rings, sediment and other natural evidence, researchers have documented multiple droughts in California that have lasted decades during the last 1,000 years.
In addition to drought, water use has increased. California’s population has doubled in the last fifty years to an estimated 39 million by the end of last year. Urban uses, farming and industry have all led California to be the largest water user in the United States, according to the United States Geological Survey. Add to this water for environmental concerns and the State’s water infrastructure has been stressed.
While Riverside Highland Water Company is very fortunate to have the ability to pump its own water from various locations and is in a better situation than many water agencies, we are not immune from a drought.
Currently, Riverside Highland Water Company owned water wells are at their lowest level since we began water level monitoring as are many other water wells in our region.
Now that summer is upon us, the stress on the water system increases significantly. While we are not actively monitoring water use, we do ask that each water user do their part to conserve water and avoid wasteful water practices. This includes not overwatering, fixing all leaks and turning off faucets and spickets when not in use.
All Californians need to understand that there is just not enough water to supply the wants of all the users: urban, farming, industry and environmental. For Riverside Highland Water Company customers, this means a better awareness of water use and waste. We need to make water conservation a permanent part of our lifestyle. Ultimately, the water we save today is the water we use tomorrow.
If you have any questions regarding your water use, or need to know ways to conserve water, please contact our office at (909) 825-4128.