press release

Thursday, May 28, 2009
For Immediate Release

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY BOARD VOTES TO REMAIN
AT A LEVEL 1 DROUGHT WATCH
Customers in Chula Vista, National City and Bonita are asked to continue voluntary water conservation, up to ten percent

Chula Vista, CA - At yesterday’s meeting, Sweetwater Authority’s Board of Directors voted to maintain a Level 1 Drought Watch in response to ongoing water supply reductions.

Like most water agencies in Southern California, the imported water supply to Sweetwater Authority will be reduced beginning July 1. However, unlike most other agencies, Sweetwater Authority will be encouraging customers to meet water reduction goals through community outreach and education programs, without penalties or mandatory water use restrictions.

Sweetwater Authority’s investments in drought-proof water resources over many decades have provided more flexibility in responding to current water supply conditions. The Board also acknowledged the successful job Sweetwater Authority’s customers have done voluntarily reducing water use. General Manager Mark Rogers said, “Our customers took the last drought to heart and embraced a strong water conservation ethic.” The district’s customers are among the lowest water users in the state, at an average of 112 gallons per person, per day.

Sweetwater Authority is encouraging customers to continue taking all reasonable steps to reduce water use and eliminate water waste. A Drought Helpline number (619-409-6779) is available to assist customers with questions, and provide resources to meet water reductions goals.

Voluntary measures for Level 1 include the following measures at all times:

1. Water should be used reasonably and productively at all times.
2. Customers are to keep water from draining onto adjacent properties,
public or private roadways, and streets. 3. Customers are to repair major water leaks immediately and minor water leaks within 24 hours of discovery.
4. Customers are encouraged to restrict hose washing of sidewalks,
driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other paved areas to
periods of immediate safety or sanitary hazards.
5. Customers are encouraged to use drip methods or hand-irrigation
whenever possible and prudent, and to restrict sprinkler operation to the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. the following morning, except for the first 30 days necessary to establish a new lawn.
6. Customers are encouraged to use an automatic shut-off nozzle when using a hand-held hose for spraying, lawn watering, vehicle washing, or structure washing.
7. Customers are encouraged to use re-circulating systems for decorative fountains and landscape water features.
8. Serve and refill water in restaurants and other food service establishments only upon requests.
9. Offer guests in hotels, motels and other commercial lodging establishments the option of not laundering towels and linens daily.

The complete adopted drought resolution and conservation guidelines are posted at www.sweetwater.org, and are available at the Sweetwater Authority administrative office at 505 Garrett Avenue, Chula Vista, CA, 91910.

Sweetwater Authority, a joint powers public agency, provides public water service to approximately 186,900 people residing in National City and the South Bay Irrigation District (which includes portions of Chula Vista and most of Bonita).

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Contact: Sue King, 619-409-6721