Cool weather helps district meet goals

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District says its customers responded quickly to a request for voluntary cutbacks in water consumption. District officials said there was 9 percent decrease in water use during December 2007 when compared with the same period in 2006.

A 10 percent reduction had been requested.

"We are pleased with the initial response," said John Mundy, LVMWD general manager. "From year to year there are many factors that can impact water use such as temperature, precipitation and events such as holiday travel.

"Rainy, cool weather offers an excellent opportunity for customers to reduce outdoor water use," Mundy said.

LVMWD officials say the recent storms have not diminished the need to conserve water.

While the recent rain and snow has proved beneficial, storage reservoirs across the state are depleted and must be refilled.

Even if there is significant rainfall this year, water districts in the state still face courtmandated reductions in the amount of supplies they're allowed to receive through the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta, Mundy said.

"This is the time of year where we try to replenish stored supplies for summer, yet in late December the capacity to pump was reduced 50 percent," Mundy said. LVMWD is dependent on supplies pumped from the Delta through the State Water Project.

The Las Virgenes Reservoir in Westlake Village reportedly is still below targeted levels. The reservoir also acts an emergency supply in case an earthquake or widespread power outage cuts off the main drinking water supply from the Metropolitan Water District.

Mundy said no significant water infrastructure has been built since 1971 when the state's population was under 20 million. The current California population is over 36 million.

The water district recommends irrigation systems be adjusted during periods of precipitation. During the winter months of cooler weather and reduced sunlight, plants need very little water.

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District serves a population of 65,000 in the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village and adjacent unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.