A July 16, 2014 Associated Press report erroneously stated that the City of Santa Ana increased its water consumption by 65% from May 2013 to May 2014. The report claimed that data received from the State showed a major increase in consumption by the City’s water consumers and appeared wasteful given the current drought conditions. The City’s water resources manager, Nabil Saba has spoken with the Associated Press reporter and has corrected that claim.
The fact is that the City’s water consumption increased by only 7% during that time frame. The City’s Public Works Agency attributes that minor increase primarily to the improved economic conditions within the city, the reduction of housing vacancies and a general increase in population. The amount of water consumed in the City for May 2014 is very close to our 10 year average for May.
The City is proud to have one of the lowest per person water use levels in the state and the lowest in the County. City water consumers use on average 107 gallons per day per person and have met State water use targets for the year 2020 (more than 5 years in advance!). But we must do more during this drought. The City encourages its water consumers to conserve this precious natural resource. Please take measures to conserve water by irrigating lawns only after 6 p.m. and before 9 a.m.. Do not wash down sidewalks and driveways and if you need to wash your car, please use a hose with a self-closing shut off nozzle.
For more conservation tips please visit www.bewaterwise.com and www.santaanaccr.org .
