With California facing what is predicted to be the worst drought in modern times, the City of West Hollywood is calling on residents to do whatever they can to conserve water.
The extent of the drought was emphasized in an announcement today by California Department of Water Resources that it will, for the first time in its 54-year history, end delivery to the 29 public water agencies that buy water from its State Water Project. These deliveries help supply water to 25 million Californians and roughly 750,000 acres of irrigated farmland. Governor Jerry Brown last week announced a drought state of emergency and called on residents to reduce their water usage by 20 percent.
In a press release, West Hollywood said the threat of a severe water shortage is a serious one in WeHo, where daily existence depends largely upon water piped in from sources outside the region. West Hollywood residents and businesses are served by two water utility companies: Beverly Hills Public Works and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Both are urging customers to cut back water usage and to consider installing water-conserving fixtures.
Among the tips offered by the City of West Hollywood are the following:
- Sweep, Don’t Hose — Use a broom to sweep sidewalks and pathways instead of using a hose to wash down these areas. When washing cars, use a bucket and remember to never leave a hose running. Use a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle for quick rinses. As an alternative, take your car to a commercial car wash; car washes recycle wash water. Please remember that hosing water on sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or other paved areas, except to alleviate immediate fire, sanitation or health hazards is not allowed in the City of West Hollywood.
- Take Shorter Showers and Use Less Water in Baths — Taking five-minute showers instead of 10-minute showers will save 12.5 gallons each time with a low-flow showerhead and will save 25 gallons each time with a standard showerhead. Filling a bathtub only halfway can save 12 gallons, or more.
- Use Water-Efficient Fixtures and Appliances — Connect low-flow showerheads and use aerators on faucets to save water. Install a high-efficiency toilet. When doing laundry, use the washing machine only for full loads to save water and energy. Install a water-conserving dishwasher and run it only when it is full. When washing dishes by hand, do not let water run.
- Check Sprinklers and Don’t Overwater — Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler to reduce evaporation. Make sure sprinkler heads are functioning properly and ensure there are no leaks in irrigation systems. Switch to drip irrigation to reduce water use.
Water conservation tips and information about rebate programs are available at the following websites:
www.bewaterwise.com
www.ladwp.com/waterconservation
www.beverlyhills.org/living/recyclingandconservation/waterconservation
www.westbasin.org
Mike, what compromises have there been in the past 2 1/2 years that were NOT caused by the dissolution of the redevelopment agency? The decision to NOT do the underground parking was dictated by the redevlopment agency funding….IF the city gets that money it will NOT pay for underground parking…..period. That is not a compromise, it is based on the money…..
Once again I reiterate that the open site lines, sprawling grassland and everything you want can be acheived while keeping GH/LH, renovating, repurposing and making it the jewel of the park……win-win….
Oh my, NBC News??? Yes, let’s “persuade households to remove them (lawns).” The outdoor uses of water are mostly irrigating farmlands (economic backbone of California). The DWP actually stated: “DWP officials say 40-60% percent of water consumption is used outdoors.” This includes 25 million Californians and roughly 750,000 acres of irrigated farmland. Please don’t accuse me on not wanting compromise. The past 2 1/2 years have been filled with compromise. There seems to be a “Henny Penny Syndrome.” The sky is not falling Cathy! The conservation efforts applies to all areas. Please don’t politicize the open green space at West… Read more »
Ok, Mike and Rob, once again you are both throwing out the baby with the rainwater…..Please try to understand, and I will keep shouting it from the rooftops….. that there IS a way to have everything you want AND preserve our Nationally designated Historic Great Hall/Long Hall. That building CAN be repurposed and additional green parkland space can be achieved. I am dumbfounded that the idea of a compromise seems to be out of the question. Why is that? Why it the only answer to open green park space demolition? The footprint of the 2 southern tennis courts is almost… Read more »
i guess they don’t like those water sucking old trees either.
Yes Cathy, we do want to create more green space. Green space, rather than hard space, allows the rainwater we do get to filter back into the groundwater system. Just think, open green space for our residents to enjoy and our City of West Hollywood is great about planting native, drought tolerate landscaping, If the City were to commit to that for our much needed open space at Plummer Park, you could lay that concern of yours to rest. I’m just a say’s….
The water to sustain an old, utilitarian building through its use of toilets, facets, kitchen water use is far more of a “water sucker” than open parkland, green space could ever be. Water to keep the interior and exterior clean… All this water into an outdated, useless building. Open green space and nature will use far less water than the building has and will use. Plummer Park has useable buildings that supply water. Fiesta Hall, Community Center, preschool, tennis concessions and restrooms. This utilitarian (GH/LH) is wasteful on water. Open parkland, green space, grass, trees like all living organisms require… Read more »
All the more reason to slow down on creating more “open” water sucking “green space”……