Knabe Calls for Plan to Meet Statewide Water Reduction Mandates

Last week, in the midst of California’s worst drought in recorded history, Governor Jerry Brown took executive action to enact the first-ever statewide mandatory water reductions. He directed the State Water Resources Control Board to impose restrictions to achieve a statewide 25 percent reduction in urban water usage through next February.

This past summer, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a measure instructing all County personnel, departments and facilities to immediately implement statewide emergency water conservation regulations that were adopted by the Statewide Mandatory Water Reduction Board.  These regulations included prohibitions on certain classes of water use and an order for all urban water suppliers to implement mandatory conservation measures.

In his motion, which was unanimously approved, Supervisor Knabe asked that the Board receive a report, in 30 days, on the specific actions taken by each County department; that the Waterworks Districts notify customers of the 25 percent reduction, and that the Department of Public Works report back on additional recommendations to meet the Governor’s Executive Order.

“I know people get tired of hearing about the drought and our residents have, by and large, done a terrific job of cutting back.  Although much has been accomplished, we must do everything we can to reduce our reliance on far-away water sources and minimize the long-term impacts of a prolonged drought,” said Supervisor Knabe.  “The severity of this drought threatens our State and County beyond the control of any single local government entity and will require the combined attention and effort of an entire region to combat.  We must all take accountability and work together to further reduce the amount of water we are using.  As the largest County in the State, we must set the example and we will count on everyone to do their part,” he said.