The Seasons Are Changing, So Should Your Outdoor Watering

Metropolitan urges residents to adjust outdoor water needs as
temperatures begin to drop

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–It’s the first day of fall, and though not all the leaves will change in
Southern California, your watering habits should. The Metropolitan Water
District of Southern California is reminding consumers that the change
of season means it’s time to cut back on outdoor watering.

“Cooler temperatures are ahead, and it’s time for us to cut back our
water use for the season. In the cooler months, lawns and gardens need
less water,” Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger said.
“This is always an important change, but as we enter our sixth year of
drought, it is vital. Every drop saved is valuable.”

Though Southern California has been able to replenish some reservoirs
and groundwater aquifers this year thanks to rain and snow in the Sierra
Nevada, the region remains in a serious drought.

“There’s no indication the drought will end anytime soon. The long-term
outlook is even more concerning, with climate change likely to cause
longer droughts, higher temperatures and less snowpack,” Kightlinger
said. “Conservation remains an essential part of our plans to help
ensure water reliability for years to come. Many Southern Californians
did a good job cutting their water use over the summer. Now it’s time to
turn up that savings.”

Metropolitan has been reminding Southern Californians to conserve all
summer long through its H2Love advertising and outreach campaign, part
of a larger $100 million conservation effort approved by the agency’s
board in April.

Residents and businesses can find other water-saving tips, along with
rebates for water-saving toilets, sprinklers and other devices, at
Metropolitan’s conservation website bewaterwise.com. Gardeners and
landscapers getting ready for next year also can sign up there for a
variety of classes on California Friendly®, water-wise gardening.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a
state-established cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving
nearly 19 million people in six counties. The
district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California
to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased
water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management
programs.

Contacts

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Rebecca Kimitch,
213-217-6450
mobile: 202-821-5253
or
Bob Muir,
213-217-6930
mobile: 213-324-5213