Long Beach Water, Energy and Environment Forum

Beach Clean Up - This Saturday!!!

2009-03-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Long Beach Water Department Beach Clean-Up!

A friendly reminder the Long Beach Water Department will be hosting its Quarterly Beach Clean-Up effort this Saturday!

Be a part of something special and join us as we make an all-out assault on the trash that pollutes the city's longest stretch of beach.
We will be providing gloves, trash bags, drinking water and service verification forms.

Bring your family and friends of all ages to Bluff Park Beach on Saturday, March 21, from 9:00 am - Noon,
at the intersection of E. Ocean Blvd. and Coronado Ave.

Long Beach Implores Action on Water Conservation

2009-03-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Water Commission Implores Action on Water Conservation

Long Beach Water Official: "We are worse off today than we were last year, from every perspective that matters"

LONG BEACH, CA - Today, Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners President, John Allen, is again urging area water suppliers to move more aggressively to forestall and lessen the impact of a severe water shortage by immediately implementing mandatory prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. "I don't know where some of our area colleagues are getting their information. The information we've been looking at tells us that we are worse off today then we were last year, from every perspective that matters," according to Allen. The Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners declared a water supply shortage imminent in September of 2007.

According to Allen, while there is much discussion taking place regarding the state of our water supply, several critical pieces of information continue to be overlooked, or left out of the discussion entirely. "Today, March 10th, our combined storage on the State Water Project is 200,000 acre-feet lower than this time last year. While the snowpack in the northern Sierra watershed is 90 percent of normal, last year at this time it was 113 percent of normal. The 10-day forecast for critical northern California watersheds shows zero rainfall. While we have absolutely no idea what the weather may hold in the future, we can assume that it's likely that continued below normal rain and snowfall will make our problems much worse than they are currently."

"We need to come to grips with the reality that here in southern California, we no longer have enough water to meet demand, even under normal weather conditions," stated Kevin Wattier, General Manager of the Long Beach Water Department. "Yes, storage and snow pack are lower than they were this time last year, but add to that the new delta regulatory regime, which has cut State Water Project deliveries by 30 percent, and the recently increased protection status of the delta smelt, along with a pending biological opinion on the health of salmon populations, and you begin to understand all that must be considered when you're making water supply decisions for tens of millions of people. We are operating under a structural water supply deficit."

On September 13, 2007, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners issued a Declaration of Imminent Water Supply Shortage and activated the City's Emergency Water Supply Shortage Plan. As a result, the Board of Water Commissioners issued mandatory prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. "The Board took the action it did, over 18 months ago now, to specifically forestall and lessen the impact of an expected water supply shortage," said Allen. The Board's Declaration and implementation of permanent outdoor watering prohibitions in 2007 was specifically necessitated by the profound impact of permanent reductions to imported water deliveries into southern California, dramatic reductions in water storage levels in key reservoirs in northern California, and our climate realities.
Last month, Long Beach set a new record 10-year low for water consumption, using 27.6 percent below the city's historical 10 year average. For the Fiscal Year, which started October 1, Long Beach water consumption is over 18 percent below the historical 10-year average. The 10-year historical average is from FY'98 to FY'07, which are the 10 years prior to Long Beach's call for extraordinary conservation and prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. February '09 is the sixteenth record setting month for low water consumption since September 2007.

The Long Beach Water Department is an urban, southern California retail water supply agency, and the standard in water conservation and environmental stewardship.

California Facing a Structural Water Deficit

2009-03-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

California Facing a Structural Water Deficit

An assertion made in the LA Times earlier this week stated that current drought conditions are “Not that bad.” The article implied that our current water supply crisis is solely a result of drought, and that extraordinary efforts to conserve may not be as necessary as many State and local officials have repeatedly insisted. These implications demonstrate a dangerous line of thinking that many people hold regarding an “endless” supply of water that will never dry up.
Southern California faces a structural imbalance between its water supplies and its water demands, even with normal levels of precipitation and snow, and every Southern Californian needs to heed calls to conserve, not just Long Beach residents, who continue to set records each month for low water consumption.
The State of California is in its third consecutive year of a drought. Even with the most recent improved snow pack survey results, the State is still planning on delivering eighty-five percent less water than has been requested by water contractors in Southern California, the Bay Area and the Central Valley. In addition, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), from which Southern California purchases all of its imported water, will implement a Water Shortage Allocation Plan in the coming months, which will have a huge impact on communities, both in water allocation and rates. And those communities not adequately prepared to deal with this plan will pay a price.
By far the most significant water supply issue we have involves the decline of fish populations in the Bay Delta estuary, which has led to pumping restrictions on imported water delivered from the north to the southern part of our state, where two-thirds of the population resides. These restrictions are currently resulting in an approximate thirty percent cut in water deliveries to several regions throughout our state. In fact, just this week, the State imposed additional protections on two different species of fish that reside in this estuary. Over the next several weeks, there will be additional legal opinions and rulings to protect additional fish species, which will likely result in additional restrictions on pumping, resulting in additional cuts in water deliveries.
Today, our most critical water supply reserves continue to remain dramatically low with little to no prospect of recovery this year. Add to that an ever-increasing population, which has grown by millions since our state’s last water supply crisis just two decades ago, and an overly-casual, business as usual attitude with regard to our water use, and we have the recipe for a disaster.
We all need to be less reactionary and more informed when it comes to our water crisis. Relying on increases in future rain and snowfall, or a miracle weather event, to fix our water deficit, is not only short-sighted and irresponsible, but it is bound to result in failure. A permanent change in our water-using behavior is necessary, regardless of whether there is a drought or not. Conservation is an absolutely necessary component of a viable, long-term water supply and we all need to hold ourselves and our neighbors accountable.

John Allen, President, Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners
Suja Lowenthal, Board Member, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Long Beach Continues Record Setting Conservation

2009-03-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

Long Beach Continues Extraordinary Water Conservation
City's water consumption nearing 20 percent below 10-Year Average for Fiscal Year '09; February '09 is
27.6 percent below average

"So. Cal no longer has enough water to meet demand, even in normal hydrologic years." LB Water Official, Sept. 13, 2007

LONG BEACH, CA - Today, with an announcement that the City of Long Beach has again set another 10-year record low for water consumption, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners are reminding Long Beach residents, and regional media, that the need for sustained, extraordinary water conservation remains a priority, and that drought conditions in the state are a small part of the reason. Last month, Long Beach set a new record 10-year low for water consumption, using 27.6 percent below the city's historical 10 year average. For the Fiscal Year, which started October 1, Long Beach water consumption is over 18 percent below the historical 10-year average. The 10-year historical average is from FY'98 to FY'07, which are the 10 years prior to Long Beach's call for extraordinary conservation and prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. February '09 is the sixteenth record setting month for low water consumption since September 2007.

"Long Beach implemented extraordinary conservation measures long before people were talking about weather conditions or the drought," according to Kevin L. Wattier, General Manager of the Long Beach Water Department. "Southern California faces a structural imbalance between its water supplies and its water demands, even in normal years, and every Southern Californian needs to heed the Governor's call to reduce their water consumption by 20 percent."

On September 13, 2007, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners issued a Declaration of Imminent Water Supply Shortage and activated the City's Emergency Water Supply Shortage Plan. As a result, the Board of Water Commissioners issued mandatory prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. "The Board took the action it did, over a year ago now, to specifically forestall and lessen the impact of an expected water supply shortage," states John Allen, President of the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. The Board's Declaration and implementation of permanent outdoor watering prohibitions in 2007 was specifically necessitated by the profound impact of permanent reductions to imported water deliveries into southern California; dramatic reductions in water storage levels in key reservoirs in northern California, along with climate realities.

Today, twenty months later, the State of California, even with the recently improved snowpack conditions, is still planning on delivering 85% less water than has been requested by water contractors in the Bay Area, the Central Valley and in Southern California; and, the Federal government continues to tell farmers in the Central Valley that they should plan on receiving very little water from Federal water sources this year. Today, we continue to be impacted by legal rulings restricting the amount of water the State of California is able to move from the north to the south part of the state, where two-thirds of the population lives. These restrictions have already resulted in a significant cut in water deliveries to southern California. Just yesterday, the State imposed additional protections on two different species of fish that reside in the Bay Delta estuary, and over the next several weeks their will be additional legal opinions and rulings to protect additional fish species, which will likely result in additional restrictions on pumping, with additional cuts in deliveries. Today, our most critical water supply reserves continue to remain dramatically low with little to no prospect of recovery this year. Today, most of southern California continues to gamble with our water supply future by hinging all bets on unlikely to happen weather events.

"A water shortage is imminent, and Long Beach has prepared itself to deal with it," according to Allen. "Prepare for the worst, hope is not a responsible option."

State Water Officials Issue New Snow Survey: Keep Conserving Water

2009-03-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

California Dept of Water Resources Media Release:

The Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) third snow survey of the winter season indicates snow water content is 80 percent of normal for the date, statewide.

“Although recent storms have added to the snowpack, California remains in a serious drought,” said DWR Director Lester Snow. “This year’s precipitation levels are still below average. On the heels of two critically dry years it is unlikely we will make up the deficit and be able to refill our reservoirs before winter’s end. It’s very important that Californians continue to save water at home and in their businesses.”

Manual survey results taken today at four locations near Lake Tahoe were combined with electronic readings and indicate a statewide snowpack water content of 80 percent (84 percent in the Northern Sierra, 77 percent in the Central Sierra, and 83 percent in the Southern Sierra.) Last year at this time, snowpack was 114 percent of normal, but the driest spring on record followed, resulting in a second consecutive dry water year. Daily electronic readings may be accessed at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/snowsurvey_sno/DLYSWEQ.

On February 27, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger declared a drought state of emergency, directing DWR and other state agencies to provide assistance to people and communities impacted by the drought.

Local water agencies are updating Urban Water Management Plans and DWR is facilitating what water transfers may be available through its Drought Water Bank program. Many providers have already enacted mandatory or voluntary water rationing and it is likely more agencies will require some form of rationing if dry conditions persist.

Storage in California’s major reservoirs is low. Lake Oroville, the principal storage reservoir for the State Water Project (SWP), is at 39 percent of capacity, and 55 percent of average storage for this time of year.

Continuing dry conditions and regulatory agency restrictions on Delta water exports are limiting water deliveries to farms and urban areas. A forthcoming Biological Opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service to protect salmon and steelhead may further reduce pumping capability. DWR’s early estimate is that it will only be able to deliver 15 percent of requested State Water Project water this year to the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast and Southern California.

Governor Schwarzenegger has outlined steps to safeguard the state’s water supply through a comprehensive plan that includes water conservation, more surface and groundwater storage, new investments in the state’s aging water infrastructure, and improved water conveyance to protect the environment and provide a reliable water supply. Today’s drought and regulatory restrictions underscore the need to take action to safeguard tomorrow’s water supply.

KCET's "Drought Busters"

2009-02-27T12:03:00.000-08:00

KCET covers water conservation in Long Beach and Los Angeles.

Watch it at http://kcet.org/socal/2009/02/drought-busters.html

Despite rain, Nor Cal remains DRY; and it's a major water source for Long Beach

2009-02-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

Despite recent precipitation, Northern California remains in “extreme drought”; DWR official says 15% allocation unlikely to be increased

Long Beach, Shut Your Sprinklers Off All Week!

2009-02-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

The recent rains have given us enough water to shut down our sprinkler systems all week. No need to irrigate! Take advantage of the rain. Stop Wasting Water!

Shut Off Your Sprinklers

2009-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

If your sprinklers are running at all today or anytime through the beginning of next week, you are wasting water! The recent rainfall, which will continue through the weekend, allows us to complete shut off irrigation systems until at least NEXT Thursday! If you've not shut down your systems, please remember to do it TODAY! Thanks for your support Long Beah.

Long Beach Hits Record Low Water Use in January

2009-02-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

Long Beach Hits Record Low Water Consumption in January
Jan '09 was 19.3% below average; despite third hottest Jan. on record in LA County

LONG BEACH, CA - Today, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners are praising the actions of Long Beach Water Department customers, who continue to shatter 10-year record lows for water consumption, during what is shaping up as the worst California water supply crisis in modern history. Long Beach water consumption for January '09 was 19.3 percent below the 10-year historical average. The 10-year historical average is from FY'98 to FY'07, which are the 10 years prior to Long Beach's call for extraordinary conservation and prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. January '09 was 8.8 percent below January '08. January '09 was the third hottest January on record in Los Angeles County, and Long Beach received only 0.17 inches of precipitation; whereas normal precipitation in Long Beach is 2.95 inches. January '09 is the thirteenth record setting month for low water consumption since September 2007.

Early last month, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners issued a water supply ALERT for the City of Long Beach and southern California, due to extremely weak precipitation and snow pack in the northern Sierra Nevada; an uneventful forecast for northern California watersheds, including new predictions of dry La Nina conditions forming in the Pacific Ocean; extremely low water supply reserve levels; and the anticipated additional curtailment of imported water deliveries from north to south due to endangered species issues. The new ALERT urges Long Beach residents to sustain the City's record breaking reductions in water use. More importantly, Long Beach Water officials are urging area cities to engage their residents. "Our current water supply conditions should be a catalyst for southern California water supply managers to immediately increase action on extraordinary conservation measures, particularly prohibiting certain outdoor uses of water, stated John Allen, President of the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. "Southern California water suppliers should be practicing and preparing for the worst; hope is not an adequate strategy."

On September 13, 2007, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners issued a Declaration of Imminent Water Supply Shortage and activated the City's Emergency Water Supply Shortage Plan. As a result, the Board of Water Commissioners issued mandatory prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. "The Board took the action it did, over a year ago now, to forestall and lessen the impact of an expected water supply shortage," according to Board president, John Allen. The Board's Declaration in 2007 was necessitated by the profound impact of permanent reductions to imported water deliveries into southern California; the dramatic reductions in water storage levels in key reservoirs in northern California; and climate realities.

Long Beach Conservation by the Numbers:

Note: The 10-year historical average is from FY 98 - FY 07, which are the 10 years prior to conservation. The 5-year historical average is from FY 03 - FY 07, which are the 5 years prior to conservation.

Month of January
10-yr High: 5,300 (January FY 07)
Historical 10-yr Avg: 4,950
Actual 10-yr Avg: 4,950
10-yr Low: 4,500 (January FY 00)
January FY 08: 4,400
January FY 09: 4,000
Historical 5-yr Avg: 5,100

Of Note:
- January FY 09 is 19.3% below Historical 10-year average
- January FY 09 is 21.5% below Historical 5-year average
- January FY 09 is 18.8% below the Actual 10-year average
- January FY 09 is 8.8% below January FY 08

January Year-to-Date
10-yr High: 21,900 (YTD FY 00)
Historical 10-yr Avg: 21,250
Actual 10-yr Avg: 21,100
10-yr Low: 20,250 (YTD FY 05)
YTD January FY 08: 19,600
YTD January FY 09: 17,800
Historical 5-yr Avg: 21,150

Of Note:
- January FY 09 YTD is 16.2% below Historical 10-year average
- January FY 09 YTD is 15.8% below Historical 5-year average
- January FY 09 YTD is 15.6% below the Actual 10-year average
- January FY 09 YTD is 9.1% below January FY 08 YTD

January FY 09 to January FY 08 Comparison
Demand
January FY 08: 4,400 AF
January FY 09: 4,000 AF

Precipitation:
Normal*: 2.95 inches
January FY 08: 5.89 inches
January FY 09: 0.17 inches

Temperature:
Normal*: 57.0 degrees
January FY 08: 55.0 degrees
January FY 09: 60.0 degrees
* Normal as defined by National Weather Service

Of Note:
- Demand for January FY 09 was 8.8% lower than January FY 08, even though it was much drier and warmer.

Running 12-month Total
Historical 12-month Average: 68,128
Recent 12 months: 60,057
Recent Conservation: 11.8%

South State City Turns Down Tap

2009-02-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

South state city turns down tapBy Matt Weiser
mweiser@sacbee.com
Published: Monday, Feb. 02, 2009 | Page 16A
The city of Long Beach says it won't require additional customer cutbacks this year, because it successfully changed residents' water habits.

In 2007, Long Beach – which depends on imported water from the Delta and local groundwater – predicted long-term shortages. Rather than order residents to ration water, the city set out to make it socially unacceptable to waste water.

The city outlawed certain types of water waste, especially irresponsible landscape irrigation. It encouraged residents to report violators. It imposed tiered pricing to punish gluttons. And it used the Internet to spread its message.

Since then it has received 4,500 complaints about water waste. It followed up on every one with enforcement action.

The city achieved an 11 percent water savings in 2008, including 24 percent in December.

Now city officials say they are ready for a third drought year.

"I expect it to be a hardship for every other city in Southern California that has a significant reliance on imported water, because they haven't been as proactive," said water department General Manager Kevin Wattier.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Call The Bee's Matt Weiser, (916) 321-1264.

The Water Solution

2009-01-30T10:21:00.001-08:00

Editorial: Long Beach Press Telegram
The water solution
Posted: 01/29/2009 10:37:57 PM PST

Shortages have become permanent, so pols must adopt Long Beach's plan.
Southern Californians won't have much melted snow in their drinking water this season, which will worsen an alarming shortage. Fortunately, the solution is easy.
At least the Water Department in Long Beach makes it look easy. It seems to be the only big-city agency that is well-prepared for the worst water shortages the region ever has experienced.
Droughts have come and gone, some of them even more severe, but they went away when the rains returned. The present shortages appear to have become permanent.
You're not hearing much about it yet because politicians, who control the big water agencies, haven't been willing to deal with it. While they dawdled, the region's vast storage capacity has been drying up.
Long Beach was the exception. While politicians in L.A. talked a lot about cutting back on water usage, all they managed to accomplish was a saving of 1 percent, and we're exaggerating to be charitable. Long Beach has cut water usage 11 times that much.
Here's what's coming next. The news this week that the Sierra snow pack continues to be below historical averages, together with earlier court-ordered reductions to save the endangered Delta smelt, means that Southern California's giant Metropolitan Water District, among others, will get only a fraction of what it needs from the State Water Project. Consequently in April, when MWD sets its rates and allocation levels, you can expect that consumers will start paying more and getting less.
Many water agencies on the receiving end are looking at rationing and punitive measures, which is a mistake because rationing penalizes those who already have been conserving water. L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa even talks about water police to enforce cutbacks that now are inevitable.
They should take a lesson from Long Beach, whose Water Commission implemented a conservation program months ago. But instead of a punitive approach, it enlisted consumers in the effort. The program, among other restrictions, made watering legal only on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Offenders got a polite letter as a reminder, and consumers began using a phone line to identify offenders.
Wasting water has become socially unacceptable in Long Beach, and residents seem committed to the plan. There have been only four or five repeated offenders, all of them businesses, and all of which surely will quit wasting water in the face of increasingly stiff fines.
When the smaller water allocations do come down from the MWD, Long Beach won't have to do a thing to comply. Its residents, now aware how easy it is to reduce water wastage where most of it occurs, on lawns and gardens, already have begun to use this scarce commodity responsibly.
If the MWD and politicians in places like L.A. and San Diego also had acted prudently months ago, Southern California's reservoirs still would be full, but they didn't, and the reservoirs are emptying rapidly.
Now there is no other choice.

"The Worst CA Drought in Modern History"

2009-01-29T15:28:00.001-08:00

The Worst CA Drought in Modern History"
New snow survey: 49% of normal in northern Sierra

SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Department of Water Resources' (DWR) second snow survey of the winter season indicates snow water content is 61 percent of normal to date, statewide, and only 49 percent of normal, to date, in the northern Sierra Nevada. “The low precipitation in January and snowpack results from today’s survey indicate California is heading for a third dry year,” said DWR Director Lester Snow. “We may be at the start of the worst California drought in modern history. It’s imperative for Californians to conserve water immediately at home and in their businesses.”

Long Beach Water officials, earlier this month, issued a new water supply ALERT for the City of Long Beach and southern California, due to extremely weak precipitation and snow pack in the northern Sierra Nevada; an uneventful forecast for northern California watersheds, including new predictions of dry La Nina conditions forming in the Pacific Ocean; extremely low water supply reserve levels; and the anticipated additional curtailment of imported water deliveries from north to south due to endangered species issues. Today's survey likely means that water deliveries for the Bay Area, Central Valley and southern California will likely be reduced even further in 2009, according to Kevin Wattier, General Manager of Long Beach Water. "State water deliveries into southern California could likely be reduced by more than 90 percent if current conditions persist; the snow season will be over in 60 days."

Long Beach residents are being urged to sustain the City's record breaking reductions in water use, which is 15 percent below the City's historical 10-year average for the Fiscal Year started in October 2008. More importantly, Long Beach Water officials are calling on area cities to engage their residents. "These realities should be a catalyst for southern California water supply managers to immediately increase action on extraordinary conservation measures," stated John Allen, President of the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. "Southern California water suppliers should be practicing for the worst; hope is not an adequate strategy here."

Background:

Precipitation and snow pack for the northern Sierra Nevada, the primary water supply source for the Bay Delta watershed from which southern California receives 30 percent of its imported water, is way below normal for the year. The most recent snow survey, announced today, showed that northern Sierra snowpack was only 49 percent of normal for the year.

Compounding the necessity to conserve, in early December, federal wildlife officials released ADDITIONAL restrictions on pumping from northern California. Last year, restrictions were placed on pumping water through the Bay Delta to mitigate the impact that pumping was having on the Delta Smelt, an endangered fish. A new biological opinion, released on December 15, 2008, supports continuing current pumping restrictions, which have resulted in a 20 to 30 percent reduction in water deliveries, but also adopts ADDITIONAL pumping restrictions that the agency believes will help improve Delta Smelt habitat. These additional restrictions could in some years cut imported water deliveries to the Central Valley and southern California by half, which is a worst case scenario, but entirely feasible. Scientists say that the decline of smelt populations are an indicator of the health of the entire Bay-Delta ecosystem, and representative of a much larger decline in local fisheries, including the longfin smelt, threadfin shad, and Chinook salmon. The National Marine Fisheries Service is scheduled to issue a new biological opinion in the coming weeks to protect the Chinook salmon, following last years collapse of the west coast salmon fishing season, and the long-fin smelt is being recommended for the endangered species list by the California Department of Fish and Game.

Even more, the collective storage level of Lake Shasta, Lake Oroville and San Luis Reservoir, the feeders to the State Water Project, are the lowest they've been since 1977. This is a primary reason for the State Department of Water Resources' recent announcement that water deliveries from northern California to the Central Valley, and on to southern California, may be 85 percent below what is being requested for these regions this year. Today's snow survey will likely move that percentage higher.

On September 13, 2007, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners issued a Declaration of Imminent Water Supply Shortage and activated the City's Emergency Water Supply Shortage Plan. As a result, the Board of Water Commissioners issued mandatory prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. "The Board took the action it did, over a year ago now, to forestall and lessen the impact of an expected water supply shortage," according to Board president, John Allen. The Board's Declaration in 2007 was necessitated by the profound impact of permanent reductions to imported water deliveries into southern California; the dramatic reductions in water storage levels in key reservoirs in northern California; and climate realities.

The Long Beach Water Department is an urban, southern California retail water supply agency, and the standard in water conservation and environmental stewardship.

E-Watering Update - Realtime Irrigation Instruction

2009-01-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

LONG BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT The Standard in Water Conservation & Environmental Stewardship
e W a t e r i n g U p d a t e
We're warming up!
Time to turn your sprinklers back on, but not very much. Set your timers to 20%, 2 days a week. Example if you typically water for 10 minutes at each station then set your timer for 2 minutes. Thanks!
Bonus Information:
Did you know... You can join the Long Beach Water Department on:
Ning, Blogspot, Myspace, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook; just visit www.lbwater.org and click on the icons.
We will not share your email address with any other organization. If you wish to unsubscribe at any time just click on the unsubscribe link below, its that simple.

Top 10 Reasons for CA Cities to Prohibit Certain Outdoor Water Uses

2009-01-28T14:15:00.001-08:00

Top 10 Reasons for CA Cities to Prohibit Certain Outdoor Water Uses

What outdoor uses should cities be prohibiting? Hosing patios, streets, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and store fronts; Using water on landscaped areas more than three days each week; Watering landscaped areas in the middle of the day for 15, 20 and sometimes 30 minutes, per station; and overwatering to the point of causing run-off.

1. Drought and other natural climate conditions of California
2. Depleted emergency water supply reserves throughout California
3. The permanent reduction to imported water that the Bay Area, Central Valley and Northern California typically recieve from northern California
4. The permanent reduction to imported water that southern California typically has recieved from the Colorado River watershed
5. The anticipated additoinal curtailment of imported water deliveries from northern California to southern California due to endangered species issues; delta smelt, longfin smelt, salmon
6. California Department of Water Resources announcement that water deliveries from northern California to the Bay Area, Central Valley and southern California, may be 85 percent below wht is being requested for these regions in 2009.
7. Dry La Nina conditions forming in the Pacific Ocean
8. National Weather Service predicts uneventful forecast (no storms anywhere) for next 10-days
9. Southern California imports half its water...imported water sources are becoming increasingly unreliable.
10. Hope is NOT a strategy!

Citywide Water Use Prohibitions

2009-01-27T10:27:00.001-08:00

The following uses of water are illegal in the City of Long Beach:

1. Over-watering/over-irrigating landscaped areas to the point of causiung run-off.

2. Watering landscaped areas between 9:00am and 4:00pm.

3. Watering landscaped areas on any day OTHER than Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

4. Washing down sidewalks, driveways, porches, streets, parking areas or any other paved area.

Please report water wasters at waterwaster@lbwater.org, or by visiting www.lbwater.org

Shut Off Your Sprinker Systems Today!

2009-01-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

Please shut off your sprinklers throught he weekend...you don't need them. You'll get enough precipiation to sustain your landscape through the weekend. Thank you, Long Beach. Stop Wasting Water!

We're draining this reservoir to water our lawns

2009-01-20T15:59:00.001-08:00

http://www.lbwater.org/

Today's E-Watering Update: Adjust Sprinkers to 60%

2009-01-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

e W a t e r i n g U p d a t e
What warm weather!
Time to turn your sprinkler timers up. Set your timers to 60%, 2 days a week. Example if you typically water for 10 minutes at each station then decrease this to 6 minutes.
Important information & upcoming events:
Information: "Civilization has been a permanent dialogue between human beings and water" ~ Paolo Lugari
Events: Don't forget the landscape class Saturday January 24th, Choosing the best plants for you. If you haven't registered for this class or upcoming dates then do so today by calling 562-570-2300! For more information please visit: www.lbwater.org/conservation/landscapeclasses.html.
We will not share your email address with any other organization. If you wish to unsubscribe at any time just click on the unsubscribe link below, its that simple.

Northern California Precipiation Forecast - NOT GOOD

2009-01-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

The 10-Day Feather Basin precipitation forecast shows almost NO precipiation through the end of January 2009. The Feather Basin is the tributary that feeds the Bay Delta watershed, a primary source of southern California's imported water supplies.

A strong, high pressure ridge is forecasted to remain over Northern California this week. Dry conditions and unseasonably warm temps are expected for hte Feather Basin through the weekend. The long-range weather models suggest cooler temps next week. Precipitation is forecast at only 4% of normal through January 26th.

Top 10 Reasons for CA Cities to Prohibit Certain Outdoor Water Uses

2009-01-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

It's looking horrible, disastrous actually."

2009-01-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

Mandatory water rationing possible
Officials describe dry winter as 'disaster in the making'
By ROBERT DIGITALE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT - Santa Rosa

Published: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 3:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 11:19 p.m.
With scant rainfall and reservoirs at disturbingly low levels, Sonoma County water officials are warning they may impose mandatory water rationing later this year.

Large quantities of rain would have to fall within the next few months to escape stricter water rules, officials said this week.

“It’s looking horrible, disastrous actually,” said Brad Sherwood, a spokesman for the Sonoma County Water Agency.

Top State Water Official: "a water supply and delivery crisis the likes of which Californians have not seen in decades"

2009-01-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

From Contra Costa Times:
Water crisis has parallels with financial meltdown
By Mike Taugher
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 01/11/2009 03:43:54 PM PST

To understand how California reached its current water crisis, one could look for an analogy in the financial meltdown.

In both cases, credit or water once flowed easily: Four of the five years of highest water deliveries from the Delta's two massive pumping plants were 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

In both cases, lax regulatory oversight was a factor in the collapse that followed: The state Department of Water Resources never obtained an endangered-species permit required under state law, and the two federal permits it and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation operated under were invalidated by a judge who found them ineffective and weak.

And in both cases, a bubble formed and burst: By 2007, record pumping levels had contributed to an ecological collapse that in turn led to a court order to slow the pumps.

Although the causes for the collapse of Delta smelt, salmon and other fish species are complex and hotly debated, the fact is that state water managers, given a loose rein by regulators, cranked up pumps in recent years and the fish species that were supposed to be protected — especially Delta smelt — collapsed.

By the time courts stepped in, drastic measures were in order.

Water agencies, under a microscope and facing the threat of further cutbacks and shortages, point to other causes for the Delta's demise. They argue that the collapse is not their fault, or at least not entirely their fault.

They may be partly right. Scientists are investigating the possibility that ammonia discharged from Sacramento's sewer treatment plant might be contributing to the problems, for example, and no one disputes the role invasive clams, plants and fish are having on the delicate ecological balance in the Delta, the West Coast's largest natural estuary.

But the biological analysis that accompanied federal regulators' latest permit, issued last month under court order, concluded that pumping operations lie close to the root of the Delta's problems and the near extinction of Delta smelt.

It emphasized that the pumps not only kill fish directly, they also have a dramatic effect on the Delta's flow of water — the hydrodynamics. And that influences everything.

So, while pollution, introduced species, habitat quality, food availability and other "stressors" are contributing to the Delta's environmental meltdown, "the extent to which these factors adversely affect Delta smelt is related to hydrodynamic conditions in the Delta, which in turn are controlled to a large extent by (state and federal water project) operations," the analysis concluded.

In other words, the other factors that water agencies point to as overlooked contributors to the Delta's demise are, in fact, made worse by agency operations.

The permit has alarmed water agencies because it will cut water deliveries to farms and cities throughout the state below the record levels of recent years. And it comes after two dry years, depleted reservoirs and concern that 2009 could be a third consecutive year without much rain or snow.

Water agencies are also concerned that further restrictions in the coming months might further crimp the water supply. A second permit, to protect salmon and steelhead, is due in March and another Delta fish, longfin smelt, is being considered for listing under state and federal endangered species laws.

As with the financial meltdown, the bursting of a bubble — whether in house prices or water deliveries — is causing pain.

Southern California cities have become more dependent on the Delta as the region's Colorado River supplies were cut due to drought and a 2003 agreement to adhere to the limits set in a 1922 compact with other states.

Meanwhile, major new reservoirs such as the Kern Water Bank near Bakersfield and Diamond Valley lake in Riverside County, which were largely filled with Delta water in the recent boom years, are being drawn down rapidly.

A recent study by a Berkeley consulting firm pegged the cost of restrictions at more than $500 million a year, a cost that could soar to $3 billion in a prolonged drought. Most of that would be felt in Southern California, where water rates could rise and residents see an increased likelihood of water rationing, the study said.

Rationing is possible as early as this summer, depending on the weather, of course. And water agencies are supporting costly fixes that would run into the billions, despite the more than $4 billion spent since 2000 for a plan now largely seen as mostly failed.

How bad is it?

We're looking at what could be "a water supply and delivery crisis the likes of which Californians have not seen in decades," said the state's top water official, Department of Water Resources Director Lester Snow.

He might be right.

Mike Taugher covers natural resources. Reach him at 925-943-8257 or mtaugher@bayareanewsgroup.com.

DRY La Nina Conditions Now Forming in Pacific Ocean

2009-01-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

Check out the realtime, animated graphics:

http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/predictions/90day/tools/briefing/

USA Today: Tougher Conservation May Be Needed

2009-01-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

From the USA Today:
By William Welch
LOS ANGELES - Skiers are enjoying the early winter snows on California's mountains, but down closer to sea level are big worries that the snowfall and its spring runoff won't be enough to relieve two years of drought. Unless the next few months prove to be wet ones, tougher conservation steps and even water rationing from cities to farms could be ahead for the nation's most populous state. The impact could be felt across the country in higher food prices, officials warn, if water shortages reduce production in the 400-mile-long Central Valley where much of the nation's fruit is grown in irrigated fields.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2009-01-06-snowpack_N.htm

Report Outlines Big Problems for Imported Water Supplies to So Cal

2009-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

From the Sacramento Bee:

Federal draft report: Delta system imperils fish
By Matt Weiser
mweiser@sacbee.com
Published: Friday, Jan. 09, 2009 | Page 14A
Salmon, steelhead and sturgeon in the Central Valley are being driven to extinction by Delta pumping systems and upstream reservoir operations, according to a draft federal report.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has not yet released the report, but it was discussed at a meeting of scientists in Sacramento on Thursday.
The impacts are so significant that the agency is also studying whether killer whales in the ocean could be imperiled by declining Central Valley salmon, their primary prey.
The grave findings suggest that California's efforts to serve thirsty farms and cities while sustaining healthy fisheries will only get more difficult.
A final version of the report, called a biological opinion, is expected by March 2. The Endangered Species Act empowers the fisheries service to impose new rules on state and federal water systems to protect the fish.
The state and federal governments operate separate reservoir and canal systems that collect Northern California's snowmelt and distribute it to cities, suburbs and farms statewide. These systems have dammed off hundreds of miles of fish habitat and altered the timing and temperature of river flows.
Given the findings, the fisheries service could require the California Department of Water Resources and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to change reservoir operations, improve river habitat and divert less water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Southern California. Hatchery practices might have to be changed to protect wild fish.
The details of these forthcoming rules were not revealed Thursday. Officials at both water agencies have seen the full draft but declined to comment on the specifics.
"To take additional hits (in water supply) will be very problematic for us," said Jerry Johns, deputy director of the state Department of Water Resources. "Our goal is to protect these fish species, and we've got to make sure we do that effectively. But we've got to do it in a reasonable way."
The biological opinion has a long and troubled history.
A version completed in 2004 reached similar findings. But a regional director at the National Marine Fisheries Service, a political appointee, altered the final report to show, instead, that the species would not be imperiled by water operations.
Conservation groups sued, and last year federal district Judge Oliver Wanger ruled the agency's actions were "arbitrary and capricious" and violated the Endangered Species Act. He ordered a new report prepared by March of this year, but allowed water operations to continue unaltered until then.
Under current rules, the state Department of Water Resources and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation coordinate their operations to boost water pumped through the Delta to farms and cities south. One of their tools is to manipulate the timing of water releases from reservoirs, including Shasta, Oroville and Folsom.
Fisheries Service biologists said Thursday that the current system, with its emphasis on water for people, does not provide adequate cold water for spawning habitat in the Sacramento River. This will worsen as climate change and population growth take hold, the scientists said.
"There's not much chance here for spring-run (salmon) in the mainstem Sacramento River," said biologist Bruce Oppenheim. "We just don't have as much water available in Shasta in the future."
The discussion took place before an independent panel of scientists conducting a peer review of the findings for the CalFed Bay-Delta Authority, a joint state-federal agency charged with improving the Delta.
The meeting was highly technical but offered warnings about four protected species: winter- and spring-run salmon, Central Valley steelhead and green sturgeon.
Similar conditions exist in the American River: not enough cold water or habitat for steelhead spawning.
"By the time May comes around, it's really not a suitable place for egg incubation," said biologist Brian Ellrott.
Providing more cold water for fish would mean saving water behind dams for spawning season. This could mean less water for farms and cities in summer and fall.
Under the current system, risks to the fish are numerous. The Bureau of Reclamation, for instance, operates giant gates on the Sacramento River near Walnut Grove to divert freshwater into the interior Delta to freshen supplies available to diversion pumps.
When these gates are open, young salmon migrating to sea stray into waters teeming with predators, including foreign species such as striped bass.
Federal biologist Jeff Stuart said closing the gates almost doubles salmon survival rates.
Other threats include herbicides to control aquatic weeds, entrapment in the suction effect of the water diversion pumps, and rough handling at fish screens near the pumps.
"Basically, if you enter the interior Delta, you're not going to survive," Stuart said.
The biological opinion does not directly consider effects on fall-run chinook salmon, because this species is not yet protected by the Endangered Species Act. But it is declining steeply and affected by the same threats.
The fall-run remains the largest salmon population on the West Coast, vital as ocean-going adults to the commercial fishing industry. It's also a primary food for the southern resident population of killer whale, or orca, an endangered species that ranges from Puget Sound to Monterey. Fewer salmon spawning in Central Valley rivers, then growing into adults in the ocean, could mean hard times for the orca.
Maria Rea, Sacramento supervisor for the Fisheries Service, said her team has not finished evaluating whether California water operations threaten the orca.
________________________________________
Call The Bee's Matt Weiser, (916) 321-1264. To comment on Delta issues, visit our reader forum at www.sacbee.com/delta.

Want to get realtime status of our water supply reserve levels?

2009-01-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

Vist http://www.mwdh2o.com/mwdh2o/pages/yourwater/WaterAlert/

Long Beach Water Board Issues New Water Supply Alert

2009-01-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Long Beach Water Board Issues New ALERT on So. Cal Water Supply; La Nina Conditions Now Predicted
City's water consumption is 15% below historical 10-year average through mandatory conservation; December '08 nearly 25% below historical 10-year average.

LONG BEACH, CA - Long Beach's Board of Water Commissioners has issued a new water supply ALERT for the City of Long Beach and southern California, due to extremely weak precipitation and snow pack in the northern Sierra Nevada; an uneventful forecast for northern California watersheds, including new predictions of dry La Nina conditions forming in the Pacific Ocean; extremely low water supply reserve levels; and the anticipated additional curtailment of imported water deliveries from north to south due to endangered species issues. The new ALERT urges Long Beach residents to sustain the City's record breaking reductions in water use, which is 15 percent below the City's historical 10-year average for the Fiscal Year started in October 2008. More importantly, Long Beach Water officials are calling on area cities to engage their residents. "These realities should be a catalyst for southern California water supply managers to immediately increase action on extraordinary conservation measures," stated John Allen, President of the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. "Southern California water suppliers should be practicing for the worst; hope is not an adequate strategy here."

Water Cycle Rap...boy do we need lots of rain and snow in northern CA

2009-01-06T15:20:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BayExatv8lE

H2O House - helpful hints to save water in and around your home!

2009-01-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.h2ouse.org/

Stop Running Toilets!!!

2009-01-05T13:20:00.001-08:00

Stop running toilets today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Fg0ykuQyw

Citywide Water Use Prohibitions

2009-01-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

Panel Proposes Building Canal Around Delta; No Voter/Legislative Approval

2009-01-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

A panel of state leaders is calling for California to begin building a canal to divert water around the Delta by 2011, without approval from lawmakers or voters.

The final report released late Friday by the Delta Vision Committee, made up of five state Cabinet secretaries, thrusts the controversial canal into the top tier of California political battles.

Read the article in the SacBee at http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1513445.html

Shut Sprinklers Off Until Next Weekend!

2008-12-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

It's raining! No need to irrigate your landscape until next weekend. Your grass and plants will get all the water they need with the rain we're getting this week! 50 to 70 percent of all the water we use in Long Beach is used outside on landscaped areas. We have the potential to save vast amounts of precious drinking water by taking advantage of the rain we're getting! Thanks for your support.

LB Residents Win New Water-Efficient Front Yard

2008-12-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

LB Residents Win Waterwise Front Yard Makeover

LONG BEACH, CA - Nine Long Beach residents have won a citywide opportunity drawing to receive a new, water-efficient front yard makeover. The new landscapes will be professionally designed and installed, and paid for by the Long Beach Water Department. One home from each of the City's nine Council Districts was randomly selected during the Tuesday, December 2nd, Long Beach City Council meeting. The nine homes will serve as demonstration landscapes to help promote the beauty, functionality and sustainability of water-efficient, California native landscape design. 50 to 70 percent of the water used in Long Beach is used outside the home, particularly on lush, non-native, water-guzzling landscapes. In fact, much of the water we use to irrigate our landscapes runs off and flows to our coastal areas, picking up and carrying pollutants on its way. Learning about outdoor water use efficiency, and rethinking how we landscape our homes, is a catalyst to conserving vast amounts of an increasingly unreliable imported water supply.

Nearly 2,000 Long Beach residents entered the drawing, which was kicked off on October 1, 2008.

The winning residents are:

From Council District #1: Angelina Rangel, 625 8th Street
From Council District #2: Betty Lima, 1522 E. Hellman Street
From Council District #3: Steve and Donna Warshauer, 273 St. Joseph Avenue
From Council District #4: Dorothy Helde, 4410 E. Rosada Street
From Council District #5: Scott and Carolyn Clark, 2014 Kallin Avenue
From Council District #6: Ian Beckham, 469 West Burnett Street
From Council District #7: Russell Lipkowski, 2175 Oregon Avenue
From Council District #8: Carolyn Reed, 734 E. Armando Drive
From Council District #9: Cheryl Goodall, 210 67th Way

The Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners would like to congratulate all of the winners, and thank everyone who took the time to enter the drawing.

You may be interested in following the fantastic transformation of these homes, as they become beautiful, sustainable, water-wise residences. Please visit www.lbwater.org.

Recent Storms Do Very Little for Water Supply Outlook

2008-12-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

Recent Storms Do Little for Water Supply OutlookDespite wet weather, snowpack remains well below normal; continued conservation critical

Long Beach Water officials are today reminding customers to continue conserving all the water they can by taking advantage of the recent wet weather and shutting off irrigation systems until the middle of next week. While recent storms have provided local rain and snow, snowpack in the northern Sierra Nevada is currently 90 percent below normal for the year. Northern Sierra snowpack is a primary imported water source for Central Valley and southern California farms and cities. Long Beach imports half its water supply.

"We need to take advantage of the rain we've received over the last couple of days and use it wisely," according to Matt Lyons, Director of Conservation and Planning for the Long Beach Water Department. "This rain is enough to allow all of us to shut our irrigation systems off for several days." Between 50 and 70 percent of all the water used in Long Beach is used outside the home, primarily on lush, non-native landscapes. "Not having to irrigate for 4 to 6 days saves vast amounts of water," added Lyons.

Compounding the necessity to conserve, earlier this week, federal wildlife officials released NEW restrictions on pumping from northern California, further exacerbating the water supply reliability problems for imported water users in cities like Long Beach, as well as San Joaquin Valley farms. The curbs placed on pumping water through the Bay Delta are intended to save the Delta Smelt, an endangered fish, from extinction. A new biological opinion, released on Monday by Fish and Wildlife's office in Sacramento, supports continuing current pumping restrictions, which have resulted in a 20 to 30 percent reduction in water deliveries, but also adopts additional pumping restrictions that the agency believes will help improve Delta Smelt habitat. These additional restrictions could in some years cut imported water deliveries to the Central Valley and southern California by half, which is a worst case scenario, but entirely feasible. Again, the Bay Delta (State Water Project) provides about 30 percent of southern California's imported water supply.

According to Kevin Wattier, General Manager of the Long Beach Water Department, the extremely weak snowpack, coupled with desperately low water storage throughout the state, not to mention the endangered species issues in the Bay Delta itself, should be a catalyst for southern California water managers to immediately increase action on extraordinary conservation measures. "We need a region-wide, full-scale effort to permanently prohibit certain outdoor watering activities."

"Mandated prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water, which were adopted in Long Beach in September of 2007, continue to be the very best, most immediate way to save vast amounts of water," states John Allen, President of the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. With these mandated prohibitions, over the last twelve months, Long Beach residents have consumed less water than at any time over the past 10 years. Consumption for the past 12 months is 10.1 percent below the historical 10-year average. "We understood there would be a learning curve for us all, and that exercising these new practices would help us become the very best prepared city in southern California to deal with severe shortages; we're ready and we think it's prudent that other communities do the same," he added.

The Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners has continued to call for increased action throughout southern California, with regard to extraordinary water conservation, and particularly prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water.

Long Beach Water is an urban, southern California retail water supply agency, and the standard in water conservation and environmental stewardship.

Storm Update: Snow Pack is Still Way Below Normal

2008-12-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

Despite recent storm systems moving through California, the most recent (today) snow pack data for the northern Sierra shows that snow pack is STILL 90% below normal for the year.

Snowpack is also well below normal in the central and southern Sierra, even with the recent storms.

Northern Sierra snowpack fuels northern California water supply reservoirs and the State Water Project system, which supplies imported water to southern California.

Extraordinary conservation measures must be sustained. To learn more about what the City of Long Beach is doing to conserve water, visit www.lbwater.org.

Wattier: Long Beach Water Supply Alert

2008-12-16T10:59:00.001-08:00

Long Beach Water Supply Alert

Federal wildlife officials with Fish and Game released NEW restrictions on pumping from northern California, further exacerbating the water supply reliability problems for imported water users in cities like ours, as well as San Joaquin Valley farms. The curbs placed on pumping water through the Bay Delta are intended to save the Delta Smelt (a fish) from extinction. A new biological opinion, released yesterday by Fish and Wildlife's office in Sacramento, supports continuing current pumping restrictions, which have resulted in a 20 to 30 percent reduction in water deliveries, but also adopts ADDITIONAL pumping restrictions that the agency believes will help improve Delta Smelt habitat. These additional restrictions could in some years cut imported water deliveries to the Central Valley and southern California by half, which is a worst case senario...but it is feasible. The Bay Delta (State Water Project) provides about 30 percent of southern California's imported water supply.

The permanent reductions to imported water deliveries from the Colorado River and the Bay Delta, severely depleted reservoirs the length and breadth of the state, and drought continue to necessitate an immediate, aggressive approach to conservation of water supplies. Mandated prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water, which were adopted in our City in November of 2007, continue to be the very best, most immediate way to save vast amounts of water. With these mandated prohibitions, over the last twelve months, Long Beach residents have consumed less water than at any time over the past 10 years. Consumption for the past 12 months is 10.1 percent below the historical 10-year average.

The Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners has continued to call for increased action throughout southern California, with regard to extraordinary water conservation, and particularly prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water.

Kevin L. Wattier
General Manager
Long Beach Water Department

State Water Supply is Permanently Slashed

2008-12-16T08:23:00.000-08:00

From the State Water Contractors:

California's Primary Water Supply Slashed
Long-term Restrictions Are Devastating to Public Water Agencies
Dec. 15, 2008 09:57 PM

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 15 - Public water agencies throughout Northern, Central and Southern California now face major supply cutbacks in the latest federal regulatory blow to their ability to deliver water to customers. The restrictions point sharply to the need for a more comprehensive and sensible approach to managing the state's water supply and fish habitat concerns.
The cutbacks, effective immediately, were outlined today by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in a revised biological opinion for the Delta smelt, a threatened fish species that lives in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta). The biological opinion, or permit, sets guidelines for State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP) pumping operations out of the Delta to ensure there is no long-term jeopardy to the health and habitat of the Delta smelt. The SWP and CVP are the state's primary water delivery systems and collectively deliver water to 25 million Californians and 3 million acres of agricultural land.
"California's primary water supply has just taken another big hit," said Laura King Moon, assistant general manager of the State Water Contractors. "This is a major new reduction in water deliveries that will impact families, businesses and farmers throughout California."
The timing of the new delivery cutbacks couldn't be worse. California is in a severe drought. Our state reservoirs are at their lowest levels in years. A much reduced water supply will have severe economic impacts during the worst economic crisis of our lifetime. To put this in perspective, a recent study, commissioned by public water agencies, determined that the economic impact of a 30 percent water supply cutback could range from $500 million annually to more than $3 billion during prolonged dry periods.

To read the rest of this media release, visit http://br.sys-con.com/node/778657

Sacramento Bee Special Report on Water Supply

2008-12-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

From the Sacramento Bee:

California as we know it today was built largely on this fantasy:
That arid cities in the south could indefinitely satisfy the thirst of a growing population by importing water from the north.
The fantasy endured for a while, buoyed by water diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The largest estuary on the West Coast of the Americas, it drains 40 percent of California, transporting vital snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada across the state.
Recent events have revealed the truth: California is reaching the limit of its water supplies, and the economy and the environment are suffering for it.

Read this special report from the Sac Bee at, http://www.sacbee.com/1268/story/1459470.html

It's Raining! Shut Off Your Sprinklers!

2008-12-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

It's raining Long Beach! In fact, it's expected to rain tomorrow and Wednesday as well.

Please take this rare opportunity from mother nature to save lots of water...shut off your sprinkler systems through the weekend! No need to water any of your landscaped areas...today alone will provide enough water to sustain them through the rest of the week.

For our local forecast, visit http://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/Long_Beach.html

E-Watering Update - green tech at your fingertips!

2008-12-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

Let the Water Department assist you with your outdoor irrigation schedule. We'll send you a quick, fun, electronic reminder on how your sprinklers should be set, depending on current weather.

Sign up now. The future, embraced. http://www.lbwater.org/pdf/conservation/ewu_homepage.pdf

Long Beach Citywide Water Use Prohibitions

2008-12-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

1. It is illegal to overwater your landscape to the point of causing run-off

2. It is illegal to water your landscape any day, other than Monday, Thursday and Saturday. You should only water 10 minutes per watering station or area.

3. It is illegal to water your landscape between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm

4. It is illegal to wash down sidewalks, driveways, gutters, patios, storefronts, parking lots or any other paved area, anytime, unless your using a pressurized, water conserving, cleaning device (pressure washer).

Thank you for your support.

For more info on these and other prohibitions, visit www.lbwater.org

Plan Adopted to Engineer 15% Cut in Emissions in 12 Years

2008-12-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

From the AP in the LA Times

California regulators adopted the nation's first comprehensive plan to slash greenhouse gases Thursday and characterized it as a model for President-elect Barack Obama, who has pledged an aggressive national and international effort to combat global warming.The ambitious blueprint by the world's eighth-largest economy would cut the state's emissions by 15% from today's level over the next 12 years, bringing them down to 1990 levels.

Read the AP article carried by the LA Times, here:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-climate12-2008dec12,0,7794111.story

Grease in Sewer System Can Be Devestating

2008-12-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Grease is a major cause of sewage overflows.

To learn more about the problem of Fats, Oils and Grease, and to see some gross pictures and video from some of the worst cases, visit http://www.lbwater.org/sewers/fog.html

LBPOST's Ryan ZumMallen reports on local air quality; USA Today Story

2008-12-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

USA Today: Air Quality At LB Schools Is Worst In County

A recent eye-opening study by the USA Today of nearly 128,000 schools across the nation unveiled some disturbing facts about local Long Beach schools. The study, The Smokestack Effect, mapped levels of dangerous chemicals surrounding schools to determine which had the best and worst air quality. America's worst of the worst can be found on the East Coast, but some Long Beach schools did not fare much better.

Read the full post, at www.lbpost.com

See the report by USA Today, at http://content.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/smokestack/index

Long Beach Water Receives Energy Efficiency Award

2008-12-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

Flex Your Power, California's statewide energy efficiency campaign, has recognized the Long Beach Water Department as a leader in energy efficiency with a Flex Your Power Award. Long Beach Water Commission member, Suzanne Dallman, will accept the award on behalf of the Long Beach Water Department at a Monday, December 15th ceremony in San Francisco, California.
The award, recognizes efforts to reduce water consumption and implement long-term water efficiency strategies in this time of extraordinary drought. Nearly 20 percent of California's energy use goes to pumping, moving and treating water.
The Long Beach Water Department is an urban, southern California water supply agency, and the standard in water conservation and environmental stewardship.
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Special Commentary: Kevin Wattier, GM, Long Beach Water

2008-12-11T09:18:00.000-08:00

Not Enough is Being Done to Forestall or Lessen the Impact of Imminent Water Supply Shortage in Southern California

1. - The initial allocation for the State Water Project for calendar year 2009 was set at only 15% of contractual amounts in late October, and has not changed since then
- The primary storage reservoir on the State Water Project, Lake Oroville, is currently only 28% full. Lake Shasta, the primary reservoir on the federal Central Valley Project,
is 29% full. In both cases, this is less than half of normal for this time of year. The only other time Lake Oroville was this low in December in its 40-year history was in 1977.
- In 2007 and 2008, two dry years, the Metropolitan Water District used over half of it's dry-year storage to offset the difference between supply and demand in Southern California.
- Southern California has lost over 30% of it's access to imported water due to endangered species issues (State Water Project and Los Angeles Aqueduct), competition from
other states (Colorado River Water), and drought (all three supplies).

2. - In 2007, federal judge Oliver Wanger in Fresno ruled that the Biological Opinion to protect the delta smelt, a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, was
invalid. He subsequently implemented interim protections, which had the affect of restricting the amount of water that can be pumped out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta by the
state and federal water projects by 20 to 30%. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is scheduled to announce a new, permanent Biological Opinion by Monday, December 15th, as ordered
by Judge Wanger.

3. - Populations of several fish species in the Delta have declined precipitously in recent years, most notably the delta smelt and its cousin the longfin smelt. These two species are critical
elements of the food web and ecosystem in the Delta. Consequently, there are currently several actions under way to further protect these two species:
- The US Fish and Wildlife Service is considering a petition to change the status of the delta smelt under the FESA from threatened to endangered, a more protective classification
- The US Fish and Wildlife Service is considering a petition to list the longfin smelt under the FESA
- The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is considering a petition to list the longfin smelt under the CESA, and issued emergency regulations in November to provide
interim protections. These interim protections have the potential to reduce water supplies from the Delta by another 10 to 15%. A final listing decision is expected in February 2009.
- Populations of salmon spawning in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their tributaries have also decreased dramatically in recent years, prompting the Department of Commerce
to ban all commercial salmon fishing off the California and Oregon coasts in 2008.

4. - All water agencies and cities in Southern California should take immediate actions to permanently reduce their water demands by at least 10%. This is what is needed to correct the imbalance
that currently exists between water demands and water supplies in Southern California. Just as the reductions in supply are expected to be permanent, the reductions in demand need to be
permanent, not temporary. Mandatory prohibitions on the wasting of water should be a minimum, combined with an aggressive public education campaign to educate all water users of
the need to conserve. Encouraging conversions from grass to California-friendly landscapes through whatever means necessary is the best way to accomplish this reduction in water demand.

Where would you like to put a water-efficient landscape? Let us all know.

2008-12-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

If you could, where would you like to see a beautiful, water-efficient, southern California native landscape? Is there a park or other public space, a particular building or business that you'd like to see landscaped? Let us know.

Learn to landscape like the pros...and visit the Aquarium of the Pacific...FREE!

2008-12-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

Free Residential Landscape Classes
Save the Water: Grass lawns require more water and chemicals per foot and cause more runoff than almost any other kind of landscape! About 50 percent of the water used at the average home is for landscape irrigation.

Save the Planet: Grass lawns are responsible for much of our urban runoff, runoff carrying lawn clippings, fertilizers and other pollutants into our precious coastal marine habitat.
Drinking water supply in Southern California has been permanently reduced. One of the best ways to reduce our need for water is to transform our grass lawns into a beautiful landscape utilizing attractive drought tolerant plants, reducing runoff, attracting animals like butterflies and hummingbirds, and requiring very little maintenance. Learn how at the following terrific classes.

Landscape Classes - Long Beach Water Department
Classes are from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, come join us and take home a few tips!

Designing Your New LandscapeDates: January 10th ~ February 21st ~ April 11thLocation: Long Beach Water Department, 1800 E. Wardlow Rd.

Choosing the Best Plants for You Dates: January 24th ~ April 25th ~ May 23rdLocation: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium WayParking: Park in the structure and the cost is $6, but admission to the aquarium after the class is FREE!

Your Sprinkler Systems, Soil, Watering Schedule, and FertilizersDates: February 7th ~ May 9thLocation: Long Beach Water Department, 1800 E. Wardlow Rd.

Sign up today: Space is limited, so register today by calling 562-570-2300

Mrs. Nuttington

2008-12-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Nuttington is fed up! See the great commercial at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhpevdl2Sng

Long Beach! Sign up to receive your realtime watering schedule electronically! Visit http://www.lbwater.org/pdf/conservation/ewu_homepage.pdf

Justin Rudd's 30 Minute Beach Clean Up - Dec. 20th!

2008-12-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

NEXT 30-MINUTE BEACH CLEANUP: Sat., Dec. 20, 10 a.m. (our 115th consecutive month!).

1 Granada Ave., Belmont Shore in Long Beach, 90803. Be sure to be signed-in by 10 a.m. to get a raffle ticket. MAPFree parking (when you enter the lot at 1 Granada Ave. after 9:30 a.m.). Free bags, gloves, refreshments from Duthie Power Services, door prizes from the Aquarium of the Pacific and Aroma di Roma, and volunteer credit forms will be available, too! PLEASE We do provide bags, but we encourage folks to bring their own recycled bags - like a plastic grocery sack. NOTE: DO NOT PICK UP SHARP OBJECTS FROM THE BEACH..

For more info go to www.beachcleanup.org

Long Beach water consumption hitting record lows; November '08 is new record low

2008-12-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

Today, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners have announced that Long Beach water demand for November 2008 has set a new record 10-year low. Long Beach water use this November was 12.1 percent below the historical 10-year average ('98-'07) water use. November '08 water use was 7.9 percent below November '07. November's new record low marks the 11th record setting month for low water use since September 2007. Long Beach water consumption over the last 12 months is tracking at 10.1 percent below the historical 10-year average ('98-'07).
Last month, the Board announced
that the City had a set a new record 10-year low for water consumption for Fiscal Year 2008. That announcement meant that the City had consumed less water in Fiscal Year '08, than in any other year over the past decade. In fact, the City consumed less water in Fiscal Year '08 than it did during the height of the 1987-1992 drought, with mandatory rationing and a population 15 percent smaller than today. The Long Beach Water Department is in its second year of extraordinary, mandatory water conservation due to an imminent water supply shortage in southern California.
"Waste not, want not," says John Allen
, President of the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. "Again, every gallon we don't use is a gallon we leave in storage. This is an idea that should have been embraced months ago by every community in southern California. We have been using our storage to water our landscapes, and that storage is at historic low levels as we head into what may very well be another dry year." The collective storage level of Lake Shasta, Lake Oroville and San Luis Reservoir, the feeders to the State Water Project, are the lowest they've been since 1977. This is a primary reason for the State Department of Water Resources' recent announcement that water deliveries from northern California to the Central Valley, and on to southern California, may be 85 percent below what is being requested for these regions next year.

Nine Long Beach Residents Win Brand New, Water Efficient Landscape

2008-12-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

Nine Long Beach residents have been selected as the winners of the Long Beach Water Department's citywide water-efficient landscape opportunity drawing. Long Beach City Councilmembers randomly selected the winning home in their District at the regularly scheduled Council meeting held Tuesday, December 2nd.

The nine winners will receive a brand new, water-efficient front yard, professionally designed and installed, and paid for by the Long Beach Water Department. Over 1,700 residents entered the drawing via the Long Beach Water Department's website.

50 to 70% of all the water we use in Long Beach is used outside, primarily on our lush, non-native, thirsty landscapes. The best way to conserve vast amounts of water is through water-efficient landscape and irrigation methods, demonstrated through initiatives like this opportunity drawing.

Long Beach Receives Highest Recognition in Accounting, Financial Reporting

2008-12-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

LB Water Receives Highest Recognition in Accounting, Financial Reporting
LONG BEACH, CA - The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Long Beach Water Department by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report. This is the 21st consecutive year the Long Beach Water Department has received this esteemed recognition.
"The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management," according to the GFOA. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 16,000 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL, and Washington D.C.
The Long Beach Water Department is an urban, southern California retail water supply agency, and the standard in water conservation and environmental stewardship.

Turn Your Sprinklers Off!!

2008-11-25T11:57:00.001-08:00

National Weather Service forecasters are predicting rainfall for Los Angeles County and the southern California region starting tonight, with a 90 percent chance of showers on Wednesday. The Long Beach Water Department is urging residents, businesses and all public agencies to immediately shut off landscape watering systems through the weekend to conserve water.
"The rain we'll get tonight and tomorrow will sustain our landscapes until next week," according to Matt Lyons, Director of Conservation for the Long Beach Water Department. Irrigation systems can be turned off for several days following storms bringing measurable amounts of rain, and up to a week or more following heavier rain events. "We have a chance this week to save a lot of water, if we can shut down our irrigation systems," he added.
To determine when it is necessary to turn water systems back on, the Long Beach Water Department recommends monitoring soil moisture and plant stress. Check soil moisture by sticking a shovel or your finger into the dirt. When the soil is dry one to two inches deep, it is time to water. Signs of plant stress include wilting and/or a lack of luster in leaves or blades of grass.
Fifty to seventy percent of all the water we use in Long Beach is used outdoors, typically on our lawns. The biggest contribution we can make toward water conservation is to eliminate the most wasteful outdoor uses of water. Long Beach landscapes should only be watered Monday, Thursday and Saturday, and for no longer than 10 minutes per watering station. Watering three days each week is plenty of water to keep landscapes beautiful and healthy, particularly if you've landscaped with water-efficient plants, like those native to southern California.
The City of Long Beach implemented its Emergency Water Supply Shortage Plan in September 2007, following a declaration by the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners that a water supply shortage for the City, and southern California, is imminent. Certain outdoor uses of water have been prohibited in Long Beach for over a year. The City has set 10-year record lows of water consumption in 10 of the last 13 months.
For more water conservation tips, incentives, programs and for a complete list of illegal uses of water, visit www.lbwater.org

Historical 10-Year Lows

2008-11-17T15:58:00.002-08:00

Long Beach Continues Hitting Historical 10-year Lows for Water Use
October '08 another 10-year low; Despite above average temperatures and below average rainfall
The Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners has announced that Long Beach water demand for October 2008 has set a new record 10-year low. Long Beach water use this October was 9.5 percent below the historical 10-year average ('98-'07) water use. October '08 water use was 9 percent below October '07. Early last month, the Board announced that the City had set a new record 10-year low for Fiscal Year 2008, which ended September 30th. That announcement meant that the City had consumed less water in Fiscal Year '08, than in any other year over the past decade. In fact, the City consumed less water in Fiscal Year '08 than it did during the height of the 1987-1992 drought, with mandatory rationing and a population 15 percent smaller than today. The Long Beach Water Department is in its second year of extraordinary, mandatory water conservation due to an imminent water supply shortage in southern California. October '08 is the 10th record setting month for low water use since the Board of Water Commissioners' declaration of imminent water supply shortage in September 2007.
"Waste not, want not," says John Allen
, President of the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. "Again, every gallon we don't use is a gallon we leave in storage. This is an idea that should have been embraced months ago by every community in southern California. We have been using our storage to water our landscapes, and that storage is at historic low levels as we head into what may very well be another dry year." The collective storage level of Lake Shasta, Lake Oroville and San Luis Reservoir, the feeders to the State Water Project, are the lowest they've been since 1977. This is a primary reason for the State Department of Water Resources' recent announcement that water deliveries from northern California to the Central Valley, and on to southern California, may be 85 percent below what is being requested for these regions next year.
"We have got to move quickly as a region to take a firm stand on this," adds Kevin L. Wattier, General Manager of the Long Beach Water Department. "Even if we have average rainfall this year, the reality is that we no longer have enough water to meet demand here in southern California, even in normal hydrologic years. Every city in southern California needs to implement mandatory prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water, and make those prohibitions permanent."
Long Beach Water Conservation Effectiveness Indicators
October 2008 is 9.5% below historical 10-year average
October 2008 is 8.9% below October 2007
October 2007 demand was 5,650 acre-feet; October 2008 demand was 5,400 acre feet
Precipitation for October '07 was .56 inches; Precipitation for October '08 was .08 inches (Normal is .40 inches)
Temperature for October '07 was 68.3 degrees; Temperature for October '08 was 70.2 degrees (Normal is 68.6)
On September 13, 2007, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners issued a Declaration of Imminent Water Supply Shortage and activated the City's Emergency Water Supply Shortage Plan. As a result, the Board of Water Commissioners issued mandatory prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. "The Board took the action it did, over a year ago now, to forestall and lessen the impact of an expected water supply shortage," according to Board president, John Allen. The Board's Declaration was necessitated by the profound impact of permanent reductions to imported water deliveries into southern California; the dramatic reductions in water storage levels in key reservoirs in northern California; and climate realities.
The Long Beach Water Department is an urban, southern California retail water supply agency and the standard in water conservation and environmental stewardship.

CA Water Supply Worsens

2008-11-17T15:58:00.001-08:00

The Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners is again urging increased attention to extraordinary water conservation measures after the California Fish and Game Commission today, issued new, emergency regulations for protecting the longfin smelt, a candidate species for listing under the California Endangered Species Act, from operations related to moving water through the State Water Project. The new regulations, expected to take effect next month, are likely to further reduce the supplies of imported water southern California receives from the Bay Delta.
"As with the Delta Smelt decision last year, it is not possible to specifically state what this means for our water supply, as the week-to-week decisions are somewhat arbitrary and unpredictable," according to Kevin Wattier, General Manager of the Long Beach Water Department. "However, it is certain that this decision has a significant, negative impact on the water supply of the State Water Project, and the areas of the state that depend on it."
Existing delivery restrictions to protect the Delta smelt, as ordered by a Fresno federal district court in September 2007, reduced imported water deliveries from the Bay Delta nearly 30 percent. Upon the federal district court ruling in September 2007, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners issued a declaration of imminent water supply shortage and implemented mandatory prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water in the City of Long Beach. Long Beach has set historical, 10-year record lows for water consumption in 10 of the last 13 months.

Facelift?

2008-11-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

FACELIFT?
LB Water awarding brand new, water conserving, beautiful front yards! FREE
LONG BEACH, CA – Today, the Long Beach Water Department has announced the kick-off of a citywide opportunity drawing where Long Beach residents may win a beautiful, water-efficient, front yard make-over, each valued at up to $10,000. These new landscapes will be professionally designed, installed, and paid for by the Long Beach Water Department, as part of the agency’s progressive conservation communications initiative. The drawing, design and installation of these landscapes will be filmed and televised. Residents may enter the drawing by visiting, www.lbwater.org.
The drawing, which will create nine unique, water-efficient demonstration landscapes throughout the City, will be used as a platform to raise the awareness of wasteful outdoor watering practices, expose people to the benefits of water efficient landscaping, and inspire people to permanently change their lifestyle so that inefficient and wasteful uses of water are no longer tolerated.
Residents of Long Beach are being invited to simply enter their name and address to win. The opportunity drawing will conclude on January 9, 2009 (last day to enter). Winners will be selected at random by each member of the Long Beach City Council at a date and time yet to be determined, in the weeks following the conclusion of the drawing. There will be one winning home in each of the City’s nine Council Districts.
According to Matt Lyons, Director of Conservation and Planning for the Long Beach Water Department, "southern California’s drinking water supplies have been permanently reduced over the last few years. We must lower our demand down to where it's roughly equal to our supply. One of the best ways to do this is by reducing our landscape irrigation." In southern California, landscape typically consumes huge amounts of water: roughly half the water used in the average home goes to landscape. "There’s a lot of room for improvement on how southern Californian’s irrigate their yards," added Lyon’s.
"To give people an idea on the amount of water we can save by changing our approach to landscape and outdoor irrigation, you need only look at the water saved by Long Beach residents this year," stated John Allen, President of the Board of Water Commissioners. "We’ve set record 10-year lows for water consumption in eight of the last eleven months, and we’ll set a new 10-year record low for the year. These records can be attributed to changes in attitudes and behavior in water use outside the home. This is obviously a focus we would like to sustain, for the long-term."
The Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners recently announced that August 2008 was the eighth record setting month for low water consumption this year. August water demand was 19 percent below the 10-year average water demand; it was over 18 percent below August 2007. Long Beach water demand for fiscal year 2008 is currently tracking at 9 percent below the 10-year average for annual water use.
On September 13, 2007, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners issued a Declaration of Imminent Water Supply Shortage and activated the City’s Emergency Water Supply Shortage Plan. As a result, the Board issued mandatory prohibitions on certain outdoor uses of water. The Declaration was necessitated by the profound impact of permanent reductions to imported water deliveries into southern California; the dramatic reductions in water storage levels in key reservoirs in northern California; and climate conditions resulting in drought.
"Through the Opportunity Drawing we hope to raise awareness of an important and exciting new concept in landscape, Beautiful Long Beach Landscape, and most importantly, support and complement our on-going efforts to re-engineer the way we think about and use water," according to Matt Lyons,
The innovation of the colorful Beautiful Long Beach Landscape comes from the fact that it reduces landscape water needs by 80 percent or more while at the same time reduces the harmful impact urban water run-off has on our coastal marine habitat, beautifies our neighborhoods, reduces yard maintenance, and improves our quality of life.
Details on the drawing can be found at www.lbwater.org, or residents may call (562) 570-2300.
The Long Beach Water Department is an urban, southern California, retail water supply agency and the standard in water conservation and environmental stewardship.

No Fooling: Reserves 30% Below Last Year

2008-04-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Northern California water supply reservoirs have been rapidly depleted this year to meet California’s demand for water, due to the effects of record drought. In fact, the volume of water stored in these critical supply reservoirs is, collectively, 2.6 million-acre-feet (30 percent) less today then at this time last year. Despite this year’s average snow pack in the Sierra Mountains, the California Department of Water Resources has recently announced that water deliveries to the Bay Area, the Central Valley and to southern California "will be far below normal this year," due to a recent Federal court ruling which has significantly restricted pumping in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta.
"What this means is that we’ve essentially moved into a world where even in NORMAL years, we don’t have enough water," said Kevin L. Wattier, General Manager of the Long Beach Water Department. "Southern California is currently positioning itself for catosptrophic failure in the event of a protracted drought."
Earlier this month, during a joint Senate Committee hearing held in Sacramento, Roger Patterson, Assistant General Manager with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), read a prepared statement into the record, stating that his agency "is rapidly depleting its existing water supply reserves with no relief in sight." The MWD wholesales imported water supplies to communities throughout southern California, who are dependent on these imported supplies. Fifty percent of Long Beach’s water supply is purchased from the MWD.
Just last week, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioner renewed their call for immediate, extraordinary conservation. "We need to engineer a permanent lifestyle change in the way we all see and use our water, so that inefficient and wasteful uses are no longer tolerated by anyone," stated Bill Townsend, the Commission’s President. "The only way a successful effort is going to be sustained, is if we have all of Southern California on board."
Since June of last year, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners has implemented extraordinary conservation measures, including enforcement of new citywide restrictions on certain outdoor uses of water. These efforts have achieved an additional 8 percent reduction in water use citywide through February of this year.
The Long Beach Water Department is an urban, southern California retail water supply agency and the standard in water conservation and environmental stewardship.

Meet Dog, the Water Cop...like a freight train

2008-04-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Long Beach Water Department, joined by marketing partners LBPost.com; The Surfrider Foundation; JustinRudd.com and Professor Alan Jacobs of California State University Long Beach’s Film & Electronic Arts Department, is inviting the world to submit 30-second videos on the need to Stop Wasting Water. One video will be selected by the Long Beach Water Department, and its marketing partners, as the Best Overall Video and used as one of the Department's key public service announcements to run locally, on 14 different cable television networks this summer.
In September of last year, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners made an official Declaration of Imminent Water Supply Shortage triggering new, citywide prohibitions on certain uses of water, particularly outdoor water use. Approximately sixty percent of all the water used in Los Angeles County is used outdoors, primarily on non-native landscapes. The Board’s September 2007 Declaration was a direct result of record drought, rapid depletion of in-State water supply reserves, and a Federal court ruling to mitigate environmental impacts in California’s Bay Delta, which is a key imported water supply source for southern California.
To be considered, videos should be original, no longer than 30-seconds and use the phrase, "Stop Wasting Water," at least once. All videos will be judged on their potential to affect a permanent lifestyle change in the way people think about and use their water, so that inefficient and wasteful uses are no longer tolerated. The Best Overall Video will be announced on Friday, May 2, 2008.
To have your video considered, upload it HERE, or at www.youtube.com/group/waterwaster.

Water Supplies Will Be Far Below Normal This Year

2008-03-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Today, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners have renewed their call for immediate, extraordinary conservation measures after the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that despite a normal snow pack, the water supply outlook for southern California remains poor.
The 2008 winter snow survey conducted today by the DWR is indicating that the water content of the Sierra snow pack is near normal, but State Water Project deliveries continue to remain at near record lows due to last year’s federal court ruling that significantly restricts Delta pumping from December through June, to protect an endangered fish. "The snow pack is back to normal, but a broken Delta means water deliveries to millions of Californians will be far below normal this year," said DWR Director Lester Snow.
"Once again, we call on the Metropolitan Water District and the southern California water supply community to join Long Beach and take a more aggressive, long-term, public stance on the need to immediately conserve water," stated Bill Townsend, President of the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. "Implementation of strict prohibitions on certain outdoor water uses, bolstered with aggressive public communications, is the future for southern California. We're asking our colleagues to embrace this future, today. We, collectively, need to engineer a permanent lifestyle change in the way we all see and use our water, so that inefficient and wasteful uses are no longer tolerated by anyone. The only way a successful effort is going to be sustained, is if we have all of Southern California on board."
Currently, the State Water Project is projected to deliver only 35 percent of requested amounts this year to cities, farmers and businesses in the Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern California. Last year, State Water Project deliveries were around 60 percent. "We have twice the snow pack and only half the water supply as we did at this time last year, stated Kevin L. Wattier, General Manager of the Long Beach Water Department. "This demonstrates the real implications of last year’s federal Delta Smelt ruling."
Earlier this month, during a joint Senate Committee hearing held in Sacramento, Roger Patterson, Assistant General Manager with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), read a prepared statement into the record, stating that "despite a healthy snow pack and a series of wet storms, deliveries from the State Water Project in 2008 are dramatically curtailed. Metropolitan is rapidly depleting its existing water supply reserves with no relief in sight." The MWD wholesales imported water supplies to communities throughout southern California. Fifty percent of Long Beach’s water supply is purchased from the MWD.
Since June of last year, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners has implemented extraordinary conservation measures, including enforcement of new citywide restrictions on certain outdoor uses of water. These efforts have achieved an additional 8 percent reduction in water use citywide through February of this year.
The Long Beach Water Department is an urban, southern California retail water supply agency and the standard in water conservation and environmental stewardship.

Stop Running Toilets!

2008-03-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Fg0ykuQyw&feature=related

35% and counting...

2008-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Today, the expected allocation of imported water to southern California, from northern California sources, via the California Aqueduct, is set at 35%. A fact that's not changed since early February of this year. Due to last year's Delta Smelt ruling, pumping from the Delta is currently restricted, which in turn, is degrading Delta water quality.

During a joint Committee hearing held March 11, in Sacramento, an official from the Metropolitan Water District read a prepared statement into the record. The following is an excerpt from that statement:

"Despite a healthy snow pack and a series of wet storms, deliveries from the State Water Project in 2008 are dramatically curtailed. Deliveries could be impacted further due to the potential listing of another fish species, the Long Fin Smelt. Listing of additional species is also possible. Metropolitan is rapidly depleting its existing water supply reserves with no relief in sight. This depletion of reserves is occurring despite significant long-term water use efficiency investments (conservation, recycling and groundwater treatment) that have been made over the past two decades. Last month, Metropolitan’s Board of Directors approved a method of allocating water when our reserves are no longer available to avoid region-wide shortages. We have already reduced deliveries to our agricultural customers by 30 percent. In San Diego County, avocado farmers are severely pruning their trees, a technique known as stunting, as a method of keeping them alive on minimal amounts of water in hopes that the orchards could be productive again in the future."

"Once again, we call on the Metropolitan Water District and the Southern California water supply community to join Long Beach and take a more aggressive, long-term, public stance on the need to immediately conserve water," stated Bill Townsend, President of the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. "Implementation of strict prohibitions on certain outdoor water uses, bolstered with aggressive public communications, is the future for southern California. We're asking our colleagues to embrace this future, today. We, collectively, need to engineer a permanent lifestyle change in the way we all see and use our water, so that inefficient and wasteful uses are no longer tolerated by anyone. The only way this kind of effort is going to be sustained, is if we have all of Southern California on board."

BIG Beach Clean Up - Sat., March 22nd!

2008-03-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

HELP CLEAN UP THIS SATURDAY!

The Community Action Team's "30-Minute Beach Cleanup" and Justin Rudd are co-hosting -- with Edwin Dayrit Jr. (a QUEST student at Millikan High School) -- a special beach cleanup this Sat., Mar. 22 from 11-1 at 1 54th Place, just east of Claremont Ave. and just 10 blocks east of the regular 30-Minute Beach Cleanups at Granada Ave.

Free parking, gloves, bags, refreshments, door prizes and volunteer credit forms if anyone wants to hop on down this Easter weekend and help Mother Nature.

You must be present at 1 p.m. in order to be eligible for a prize.

Redoing your landscape? Go Native! Everybody is doing it!

2008-03-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

What look are you going for? Classic Craftsman, Japanese Garden, Spanish Mission or Desert Riviera? All of these looks are possible using plants that are native to California. Going native not only improves the look of your home, it requires less water and maintenance; it attracts wildlife, like humming birds and butterflies; and it helps protect our coastal environment from harmful run-off, which is usually loaded with chemicals and other contaminants.

Fact: Typical grass lawns require 82 inches of rain per year. Long Beach receives, on average, around 13 inches of rainfall per year. Plants native to California only require around 12 inches of rain, or much less in some instances, per year.

You can learn more about California native plants and landscapes by visiting, www.lbwater.org, or going to www.bewaterwise.org.

Get design templates, local native plant retailers, a list of popular native plants, schedule of FREE professional landscape classes, hundreds of FREE resources, and landscape grants...all at our website.

Want to report that person who seems to be unaware that southern California's water supply reserves are rapidly being depleted? Here's how.

2008-03-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Everyone has seen a water waster. Whether living next door, down the street or a colleague at work, water wasters are everywhere. In fact, all of us waste water on occassion. The only way we are going to create a permanent lifestyle change in the way people think about and use our precious water supplies is to make inefficient and wasteful uses of water socially unacceptable. Hosing down paved areas, overwatering lawns and landscaped areas, and watering in the middle of the day, in full sun, should be as socially unacceptable in southern California as lighting up a cigarette in a crowded room. You can help help make this change!

If you see someone or something using excessive amounts of water or violating any of the City's prohibited uses of water, there are two ways you can help educate that person or entinty on the immediate need to conserve water and the City's new prohibitions...chances are, these people have not been made aware.

1. You can email us at waterwaster@lbwater.org. In your email, you may list the address, date, and approximate time of the violation. Please give us a detailed accounting of the violation.

2. You can also visit www.lbwater.org, and submit an online water waster report, including address, date, approximate time and type of violation.

When the Water Department receives a report, we immediately send a letter to the account holder of the address reported. The letter simply informs that account holder that certain uses of water are now prohibited do to extraordinary water supply conditions. The letter also invites that account holder to contact the Department with any questions they may have.

Thank you for your continued support.

Bluff Park Beach Cleanup

2008-03-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 15, 2008, the Long Beach Water Department hosted another successful quarterly Beach Cleanup event. In 2006, the Department adopted the beach along Bluff Park and to date, has held 11th such events. The latest event had over 60 dedicated participants and volunteers, roaming the beach and bluff area, picking up a total of over 500 pounds of trash and debris.

Thanks to all who participated.

Long Beach Honors Earth Day - Sat. April 26th!

2008-03-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Come, bring the kids to Recreation Park, and celebrate Earth Day, Saturday, April 26th, from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. Free prizes, food, games and tons of fun...and lots of environmental info to take home. Participating in the event: The Aquarium of the Pacific, C and L Plumbing, Eco-Link, El Dorado Audubon Society, EWaste Disposal Inc., Frinds of the Colorado Lagoon, Long Beach City College, Long Beach Parks Recreation and Marine, Long Beach Stormwater Management, Los Cerritos Wetland Land Trust, Los Cerritos Wetland Stewards, Sierra Club and The Surfrider Foundation!

We'll see you there!

Official: Imported Water Supply Sources Rapidly Depleting

2008-03-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Roger Patterson, Assistant General Manager for Stragtegic Water Initiatives at the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California, provided testimony to State Senators at a joint informational hearing of the Natural Resources and Water Committee and the Budget and Fiscal Review, Subcommittee No. 2, on the water supply outlook for his agency and "the increasing precariousness of Southern California's water picture." The MWD imports, treats and sells water to local, Southern California water suppliers and their 18 million customers. The Long Beach Water Department purchases nearly half of its water from the MWD.

During the joint Committee held on March 11th in Sacramento, Mr. Patterson read a prepared statement into the record. The following is an excerpt from that statement:

"Despite a healthy snow pack and a series of wet storms, deliveries from the State Water Project in 2008 are dramatically curtailed. Deliveries could be impacted further due to the potential listing of another fish species, the Long Fin Smelt. Listing of additional species is also possible. Metropolitan is rapidly depleting its existing water supply reserves with no relief in sight. This depletion of reserves is occurring despite significant long-term water use efficiency investments (conservation, recycling and groundwater treatment) that have been made over the past two decades. Last month, Metropolitan’s Board of Directors approved a method of allocating water when our reserves are no longer available to avoid region-wide shortages. We have already reduced deliveries to our agricultural customers by 30 percent. In San Diego County, avocado farmers are severely pruning their trees, a technique known as stunting, as a method of keeping them alive on minimal amounts of water in hopes that the orchards could be productive again in the future."

In June of last year, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners made a Declaration of Immediate and Extraordinary Water Conservation, followed by a Declaration of an Imminent Water Supply Shortage in September, triggering certain citywide water use restrictions, enforcement of those restrictions and aggressive public communication with its customers on the need to immediately reduce water use, particularly outdoors. These actions were the direct result of climate conditions, a rapid depletion of statewide water supply reserves and the imminent interruption in the supply of water from the Bay Delta are