A half-glass of water may inspire debate. A glass two-thirds full should inspire conservation.
At least that’s the hope. And if hope fails, there’s always bills.
Starting Monday, Chico residents will be tasked with getting by on two-thirds as much water they used two years ago. Those who don’t make the goal will feel it in their checkbooks.
As a region that uses much more than the state average — especially during the summer — Chico residents are being told to cut water use by 32 percent. CalWater plans to fine those using more than their allotment of six water units, called CCFs, per month. The figure works out to about 150 gallons per household per day.
The utility urges customers to keep track of usage by periodically checking their water meter. Like elsewhere, the company is limiting outdoor watering to night-time hours on specific days, depending on even or odd street addresses.
Violators risk an escalating series of fines and possibly the installation of a device to reduce water pressure.
The company is also offering up incentives. Spokeswoman Shannon Dean said CalWater is offering rebates on high-efficiency toilets, washing machines and irrigation controllers along with water-saving kits. The company is also planning to roll out a turf buy-back program where home owners can reap a small financial reward by replacing a lawn with drought tolerant landscaping.
More information may be found by visiting CalWater’s website.
