This year's rain doesn't mean drought is over

As we start into the dryer months of the year, the residents of Southern California will be faced with another year of water shortage even though we had an average year of rain. We could receive up to 30 percent less water this year than last year.

Our water comes to us from as far away as Mt. Shaster in Northern California. The Metropolitan Water District (the manufacturer) who sells it to Calleguas Municipal Water District (the wholesaler) who sells the water to your local water company brings it to us. Not only is there less water because of drought but a judge in Northern California has put a limit on the amount of northern California water that comes to Southern California. The cost to bring water to you has gone up also. Conservation will allow us to have water and help lower our water bills.

If you live in a home, up to 75 percent of your water use is for landscape irrigation. Here is where you could make the greatest reduction in water use. Most of the soil in our area is clay and rock. It is not very permeable. That is, it takes a while to percolate down through the soil. After three to five minutes, water will start to run off into the street.

Set your sprinkler controller to run for only three to five minutes. Then set it to come on again in one hour and run again for three to five minutes. Repeat the same thing for a third time. In that way the water has a chance to percolate down into the ground where it is needed and not run off into the street where it is wasted.

Also, please follow the other common sense ways to save money.

To help you plan your water conservation projects, see if your water company will give your home a free water saving audit. To help reduce the cost of making your home water efficient, most water companies will give you information about rebates on new purchased of water-saving appliances. Some local water companies have free mulch for residents living within their district.

Let us all work together to reduce our water needs and preserve our beautiful landscaping. Ronald Stark Chairperson Triunfo Sanitation District