Gov. Jerry Brown issued a statewide drought declaration last month in response to the driest year on record, which has resulted in water supplies that are drastically below normal.  The Santa Clarita Valley Water Committee has prepared a Water Conservation Action Plan that calls on residents and businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley to take reasonable actions to reduce water use and eliminate waste.

The Water Conservation Action Plan is aimed at increasing awareness of the critical water supply conditions throughout California and the immediate need for conservation by providing simple and easy steps for residents and businesses to take.

The water suppliers will continue to assess water supply conditions in 2014.  If water supply conditions worsen in 2014, further actions, including mandatory enforcement of these actions, may be necessary to ensure available water supplies for Valley residents and businesses.

WATER CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN

This plan establishes water conservation measures to be taken by residents and businesses in response to the current drought conditions in California.  Because water shortages are worsened by wasteful water use habits developed during times of sufficient supply, certain water-use efficient practices are encouraged at all times.

Outdoor Guidelines:

* Repair all leaks in irrigation systems immediately and maintain systems, including sprinklers, so overspray, runoff and water waste is avoided.

* Use the most water-efficient irrigation, including drip irrigation when appropriate. (Save 12-15 gallons each time you water)

* Choose drought-tolerant vegetation to minimize the need for irrigation, and group plants with similar water needs together for more efficient irrigation. See Santaclaritagardens.com for resources. (Save 15 gallons each time you water)

* Use mulch on exposed dirt to lessen evaporation. (Save 20-30 gallons each time you water).

* Water during optimal watering hours of 2 a.m.-6 a.m. to avoid wind and evaporation. Adjust run times to minimum values. See the Watering Guide on santaclaritagardens.com for samples of irrigation schedules. (Save 25 gallons each time you water).

* Minimize water use on decorative fountains, ponds or other types of water streams by incorporating a recycling system so water is continually recovered and reused.

* Use pool and spa safety covers or evaporation-reducing water treatments, if safe and appropriate for the situation. Pool and spa chemistry should be balanced and maintained to help reduce the frequency of pool/spa draining and refilling.

* Use a hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle when washing a car. (Save 8-18 gallons per minute)

* Sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots or any other hard-surfaced areas should not be washed down, except for health and safety purposes. (Save 8-18 gallons per minute)

Indoor Guidelines:

* Repair all leaks in faucets, toilets, and indoor pipes immediately. (A leaky toilet can leak 30-50 gallons per day)

* Install high-efficiency toilets (1.28 gallons per flush) (saves 19 gallons per person per day).

* Install low-flow aerators in bathroom and kitchen sinks (1.2 gallons per person per day).

* Install low-flow showerheads in showers (10 gallons per average 10-minute shower).

* Install water-efficient Energy Star® approved appliances, including clothes washers and dishwashers. (A high-efficiency clothes washer can save 20 gallons of water per load)

* Run only full loads in clothes washers (15-45 gallons per load) and dishwashers.

* All commercial establishments where food or beverages are provided should serve water to their customers only when specifically requested by the customer.