Speaking of water

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District appreciates the growing awareness Acorn readers have concerning "urban runoff," that is, the wasted water that flows down our streets during periods of dry weather.

Urban runoff enters the storm drain system, carrying with it everything it encounters along the way: grass clippings, fertilizers, automotive brake dust and fluids, animal droppings and more. As one reader pointed out, water that enters the storm drain system is not treated in any way, taking those harmful contaminants directly into our local creeks and ultimately to the beaches.

Urban runoff is most often an indicator of a poorly managed irrigation system that not only wastes precious water resources during this unusually dry year, but it also wastes the property owner's money. A rather shocking statistic shows that nearly 70 percent of the water delivered in our service area is used outdoors. We can and should reduce that number.

A properly installed and managed irrigation system should not allow water to escape the property. The property owner can water less frequently, every second or third day, and for shorter periods. Using a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks is extremely wasteful. Use a broom instead.

To encourage efficient water use and to help reduce urban runoff, LVMWD offers a free home water use survey. We also have rebate programs on new "smart" irrigation controllers and water-efficient sprinkler heads. Please call (818) 251-2200 or visit www.lvmwd.com, for more information on these programs.

With record low precipitation statewide and a recent judicial decision that reduces water supplies from northern California, it is more important than ever for LVMWD customers to be water-wise. John R. Mundy LVMWD General Manager