Cambria Continues Water Conservation Streak With Another Record Low

Consumption in July, Normally Peak Month of Year, Was 44% Below Long-
Term Average and 9th Lowest of Any Month Since Records Began

Cambria, CA – The Cambria Community Services District today reported water production totals for July 2014, showing another sharp drop in usage from prior years and historical averages.

Water production at CCSD wells during the month, normally the highest-usage time of the year, totaled 42.82 acre-feet. This was the lowest July total in CCSD records, which go back to 1988. It was also 44% below both the total for July 2013 and the historical average for the month. This was the fourth consecutive month of all-time monthly lows for water consumption in Cambria, which has adopted aggressive conservation measures to counter the current severe drought. In the past six months, since shortly after Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency and asked Californians to cut their water use by at least 20%, Cambrians have cut their use by twice that figure -- 40%.

“Once again, our production data show that this community has responded enthusiastically to the governor’s call for conservation and is setting an example of how the state can get through its drought crisis,” said CCSD General Manager Jerry Gruber. “In addition to saving water, Cambrians are ensuring a more secure supply for the future through their support for a permanent emergency brackish-water treatment facility.”

Cambria’s water use is historically highest in July and slightly lower in August. It typically drops off in September and October as the tourist season ends and landscape watering normally decreases. This year, outdoor use of potable water has been banned, and drought surcharges are imposed on restaurants and lodgings where water use exceeds 80% of prior year levels.

In addition to maintaining emergency water restrictions, the CCSD is moving to make its supplies more reliable by building a new facility to treat brackish water in the San Simeon Creek aquifer. Work has begun on the San Simeon Creek facility and is due to be finished in November.

Submitted by Cambria Community Services District