Santa Barbara Leads Southern California in Water Savings
Drought dry Santa Barbara is leading Southern California on a list of larger cities and districts when it comes to water conservation.
Strong measures to reduce water use have been stressed to residential and business customers in the last 12-18 months, but many lived in the area when the drought of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s left supplies at a similar, critical level. They know how to conserve.
One resident says he has no problem cutting back, and often keeps a bucket in his shower to collect water for his garden. He also tries other water savings ideas.”We stopped washing cars,” said Bruce Burke. “We put valves on the showers, we’re taking shorter showers, and next thing we are going to do is shower every other day – and a lot of deodorant!”
He admits rates have gone up even with conservation. “It used to be $40. a month. Now it is in the $80.- $100. range. And we are using less!,” said Burke.
Santa Barbara is listed number one in larger cities and districts in Southern California for water savings. Since last year when a survey when conservation was strongly encouraged, Santa Barbara’s reduction is about 23 percent. It’s number four in the state overall. The top area for conservation is Dublin, in the Bay area.
“We are very conscientious about saving water because we lived somewhere that the water was a problem and we never flush the toilet. Except when it is necessary,” said Wendy Jarrett.
Water rates for many districts are expected to go up in the coming months.
The next water report to the city will be April 14th.
For more information on conservation or the recent analysis go to:
