Argus-Courier Editorial: Keep up water conservation

Unlike folks in some other communities throughout California, Petalumans are taking the drought seriously and, so far, are conserving enough water to meet the state-mandated 20 percent reduction goal, according to city officials.

The seriousness of the drought, which could get much worse if next winter’s rainfall totals are similar to those of the last two seasons, is underscored by an inexorable and alarming drop in reservoir levels. Petaluma gets the bulk of its water from the Sonoma County Water Agency, a public entity run by county supervisors, which also supplies cities from Windsor to Novato. The water system’s main reservoir, Lake Mendocino, is currently at just 32 percent capacity, a historically low level. Lake Sonoma, the county’s back-up water supply, is down to around 65 percent of capacity.

Petaluma is able to pump limited water from its underground aquifers, but it’s only a small fraction of what the city needs. That means residents and businesses must take action to reduce their water usage.

And they are, which is good, especially now that state officials just enacted mandatory emergency regulations intended to reduce outdoor urban water use statewide. The additional restrictions will push residents statewide to bolster water conservation efforts or face possible fines. Californians are now prohibited from washing driveways and sidewalks with water, causing excess runoff by over-watering outdoor landscapes, using a hose without a shut-off nozzle to wash cars, and using potable water in a fountain or other decoration, unless the water is recycled.

But other than the restriction on decorative fountains and water features, Petaluma residents, for the most part, were already complying with such mandates as part of a citywide program initiated in March. Because of that, and because most residents are adhering to strict water conservation practices, Petaluma’s year-to-date water use has dropped by around 20 percent compared to the same period last year.

Those who fail to comply with city water conservation regulations could eventually face fines, although only after they are educated on ways to conserve. According to City Public Works Director Dan St. John, when residents call the city to report someone wasting water, inspectors are sent to offer advice to the property owner, such as suggesting a free water audit. St. John says that no fines have been levied on water wasters to date, but that repeat offenses could result in fines ranging from $150 and $300. The city is now exploring the possibility of increasing the fines to $500 per violation, as they should, in accordance with the new state mandates. Anyone not in compliance following an educational visit from city officials should pay the highest fine possible.

The city was ahead of most others in mandating prudent outdoor water conservation practices and is achieving compliance by continually educating residents on why the restrictions exist and what opportunities are available to save water. Increasing fines for water-wasting scofflaws is a sensible next step.

To avoid wasting water and accruing fines, some residents are implementing measures like planting drought resistant vegetation and mulching lawns. Residents and commercial property owners can take advantage of a free “Water Wise House Call” program and have a water conservation professional come out to review water use, check your irrigation system and offer suggestions for saving water, one of which is replacing your lawn. The city offers free mulch, compost, cardboard, an irrigation conversion kit, even free native plants from a local native plant nursery to residents wishing to sheet mulch their existing lawns, so there’s little reason to not take advantage of this opportunity to save both water and money.

Over the last five years, Petalumans have done a remarkable job reducing their water use. And thanks to the city’s Ellis Creek Wastewater Recycling Facility, the city has been able to use treated wastewater to irrigate several public spaces including Prince Park, Adobe and Rooster Run golf courses, and the sports fields at Casa Grande High School.

Yes, Petaluma is doing better than most cities in terms of water conservation, but we can always do better.

One way would be for local homeowners associations, which traditionally require their members to keep their lawns green, to wake up and recognize that the statewide drought emergency is real. According to a story by Argus-Courier reporter Allison Jarrell, at least one local homeowners association sent bullying letters to property owners telling them to water their lawns. Aside from the fact that the association has no legal authority to force its members to water their lawns during a state-declared drought emergency, it’s nonsensical to try to force anyone to use our increasingly scarce potable water supply just to keep a lawn green.

Additionally, any property owners may call the city’s water conservation hotline at 778-4507 for a free house call on ways you can save water, or visit the city website’s water conservation page for ideas on what you can do to save water.