City, county ask for conservation during the drought

With the rainy season coming to an end, city and county water officials are preparing for the warm months ahead by asking residents to continue to conserve during the state's most significant drought year on record.

The City of Petaluma continues to seek a voluntary 20 percent reduction in water usage. Dan St. John, the city's public works director, said that in March, residents used 13 percent less water than they did in March of 2013.

The city could soon seek a 20 percent mandatory reduction, with fines levied against those who don't comply, if the city council moves to the next phase of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which won't happen without direction from the Sonoma County Water Agency.

"At this point, I think we're all just holding our breath," St. John said.

But regardless of what cities require, the water agency encourages residents to utilize simple tools to limit water usage, such as low-flow showerheads and toilets. Water experts will offer conservation tips during a town hall meeting in Petaluma on Tuesday, April 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lucchesi Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd.

(Contact Emily Charrier at emily.charrier@arguscourier.com)