California drought: State residents cut water use 11.5 percent

[alp227]

Source: San Jose Mercury News

After months of seeming indifference to the state's historic drought, Californians are finally getting the message and sharply cutting back on water use, according to new figures released Tuesday.

The state's urban residents reduced water use 11.5 percent in August compared with the previous August. Although still short of the 20 percent savings that Gov. Jerry Brown requested in January, the number is up from a 7.5 percent cut in July and a 4.4 percent drop in June.

As lawns turned browner and reservoirs dried up, state residents used 27 billion gallons less water in August than the previous one -- an amount that would fill 41,000 Olympic swimming pools.

"We're pleased that the trend is continuing upward," said Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the State Water Resources Control Board. "Every gallon saved now is a gallon that we won't have to ration in the future. We're already seeing such a devastating impact from this drought. And if it doesn't rain this winter, even more people are going to be in a world of hurt."

Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/drought/ci_26682938/california-drought-state-residents-cut-water-use-11

[ErikJ]

1. Could save 50% if didnt shower too much

[gladium et scutum]

3. Even More

if the learned how to take a "Navy" shower, when the did.

[frylock]

6. i've been taking navy showers for the last 6 years..

wish that my roommate would follow suit.

[ErikJ]

8. I've been taking NO showers for last couple yrs

Well one every 2 weeks or so. I have been very surprised that I feel and smell as clean as when I was taking 2 a day. And my itching skin is gone. Of course I dont have a dirty job and dont sweat that much and am on the thin side so........... and baby wipes are easier than showering. HA!

[hedgehog]

2. People are going to have to think of this as a new way of life

rather than as a temporary response to the drought. It's similar to learning to eat in a new way when losing weight, rather than going on and off a diet.

[NBachers]

4. I'm shamelessly endorsing the High Sierra shower heads - Made in California, best I've ever used

http://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/

I've long been searching for a low-flow shower head that delivers good power. I live on the top floor of a 1927 building, and my water pressure is not the best.

I work in the plumbing department of my local hardware store, so I'm around plenty of shower heads. I've tried many of 'em. But I'm consistently impressed with my High Sierra handheld shower.

Not cheap, but Made in California, and, to me, a good invigorating shower that saves water is well worth it.

[jimmydwight]

5. We have been cutting back for nearly 10 years and

now there is no where else to cut. We have no more landscape, Take quick showers, and not too often, not wash clothes or dishes too often. I haven't washed my car since I can remember... We have the largest population in the nation and are growing all the time. We need another source of fresh water. Forget the keystone pipeline. Get us a pipeline from the great lakes.

[MrsMatt]

7. The Great Lakes are bi-national

Canada would have something to say if we'd take water from the Great Lakes.

[Sparhawk60]

9. time to raise the rates

Customers are cutting back on water use? No problem, just raise the rates to make up for the lost revenue.