CVWD 2021 Drought Update

In mid-August, the federal government declared a water shortage on the Colorado River due to the ongoing drought. This is the first declaration of this type and will trigger mandatory water consumption cuts for states in the southwest. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the U.S. by volume. This Colorado River reservoir is at its lowest since the lake was filled after the Hoover Dam was completed in the 1930s. Lake Powell, which is also fed by the Colorado River and is the country’s second-largest reservoir, recently sank to a record low of 32% capacity.

Earlier this summer, Gov. Gavin Newsom asked Californians to voluntarily cut water consumption by 15% compared to 2020 levels, as the state’s drought worsens.  

Currently, there is no penalty from the state for not making the water usage reduction as the 15% conservation target is voluntary in Southern California. This is because Southern California wholesalers such as Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), the primary source of CVWD’s imported water purchases, developed up to several years of water storage since the last drought to help get through subsequent droughts.

However, it is expected that Southern California agencies, including CVWD, will collectively support the broader southwest region effort by asking customers to save water and restrict outdoor water use. Currently, CVWD is in an increased water conservation alert status, which limits outdoor irrigation to odd or even days, based on the ending number of a customer’s address. The water conservation alert levels will continue to increase if drought conditions persist. Please visit www.CVWD.com for more information regarding local conservation efforts.

This is certainly not the first drought for our local community. As MWD’s messaging says, “This is not your first rodeo; Southern Californians know what to do in a drought.”  

Crescenta Valley residents have always done a wonderful job during previous droughts by reducing indoor and outdoor water use to meet conservation targets as necessary.  

Best Practices for Watering Trees

A common question during droughts and their associated outdoor watering restrictions is what to do about trees that need to be watered. Water restrictions do not prohibit the hand watering of trees. Trees offer more benefits than just being beautiful: they reduce pollution, conserve water, prevent erosion and can even help save energy.

Since young trees are still forming root systems, they need additional water to establish deeper roots at the base. Mature trees require deeper and slower watering at the edge of the tree canopy. Keep in mind that trees located near heat traps like driveways or house foundations will require more water.

One of the primary causes of water loss is evaporation. Instead of watering during the day when the weather is at its hottest, water in the morning or evening to allow your tree to fully absorb the water.

Another way you can help retain moisture is using mulch around the base of your tree. The mulch helps regulate temperature while releasing nutrients into the soil.

Other Watering Tips:

• Plant native or drought-resistant tree species that require less water;
• Avoid watering the trunk of the tree, since it can potentially lead to rot and disease;
• When using mulch, create a “donut” shape around the tree instead of a “volcano”; and
• During a drought, water directly with a hose or 5-gallon bucket; a drip irrigation system can also be installed.

MWD has many rebates to help you save water indoors and outdoors, along with helpful conservation tips and how-to videos at bewaterwise.com.