Guest opinion

Each person in the water utility profession is dedicated to one simple goal- a reliable flow of safe, clean water that is available on demand.

As we head into the hottest, driest months of the year, California is facing the liklihood that water will become extremely limited.

Unlike previous droughts, this time a few rain storms will not bring relief. Last winter's rain and snow were considerably below average. Combined with the rain shortages from previous years and the reduced pumping through the State Water Project to protect threatened species, the reliable delivery of water to your home is being threatened.

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) is calling upon the community to take immediate action that will help stretch our water supply.

Take a hard look at how you use water at your home. "Public Enemy Number One" is excessive irrigation. With nearly 70 percent of the water we deliver in our region used outdoors, there is simply no good reason to water every day, let alone multiple times each day. Your lawn and garden can get by with watering only once every second or third day. Take a few moments to master your irrigation controller. If you can drive a car or operate a microwave oven, you can program your sprinkler timer.

In response to the tight supply situation, the LVMWD board has adopted the following mandatory measures: No irrigation between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; no washing hardscape with water; and no water at restaurants except upon request. Hotels must offer multiple-night guests the option to not have towels and linens changed each day.

The water district is also enforcing a "no runoff" policy. With water traveling hundreds of miles through state and local infrastructure to reach your home, it seems pretty foolish to just pour it in the gutter. If there's runoff from your property onto the sidewalk or street, your lawn is telling you something is that wrong with your watering practices. There should be no runoff- period.

Also, take a look at the amount of lawn you water. Make plans today to replace sections of lawn and garden with attractive and waterefficient, Californiafriendly plants.

Water conservation doesn't require huge sacrifices, especially if each person takes an active role in smarter water use practices. By implementing a few simple measures, we can stretch existing supplies significantly. I also want to emphasize that if we experience another dry winter season across the state, mandatory rationing will be a reality for most Californians in 2009. If that happens, the people who are already saving water will not be the first to be impacted by allocations; they will be the last.

During the drought of the early 1990s, LVMWD customers pulled together and showed they were capable of significant water savings and their efforts made a significant difference. Once again, we're calling upon that same community spirit. Over the next several weeks you will see new messages focused on how to use water more efficiently. We appreciate your help, because the water you save today, tomorrow and next week could well be the water that serves your home next year.

John Mundy is general manager of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.