From Staff Reports
Homeowners and businesses in Apple Valley reduced water use by nearly 10 percent over the summer, Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company announced in a news release last week.
“We understand ongoing water conversation efforts and the recently imposed water restrictions have impacted the lives of our customers,” Tony Penna, Ranchos vice president and general manager said in a written statement. “As a resident of Apple Valley, I am proud of the way our community has responded to these historic, record-breaking drought conditions we have experienced over the last three years.”
Apple Valley saved the equivalent of enough water to fill more than 140 Olympic-sized pools, the release states.
As a result of the ongoing drought in California, the state implemented new outdoor water restrictions in addition to what Apple Valley residents and businesses, along with Ranchos, are already doing. These new watering restrictions include:
• Watering outdoor landscapes in a way that causes “runoff” onto the adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures.
• Washing a vehicle with a hose without a shut-off nozzle or device that will immediately stop the flow of water when not in use.
• Using drinking water to wash driveways and sidewalks.
• Using drinking water in a fountain or other decorative water feature except where the water is recirculated.
“So far Apple Valley has complied with these new water restrictions and we have not received any notifications that have resulted in further enforcement action,” Penna said.
Even though about 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, less than 1 percent is available for human use. The EPA estimates up to 10 percent of American homes have water leaks that drip away 90 gallons a day or more. Water lost by these leaky residences could be reduced if new, efficient fixtures were installed, which is why officials say Apple Valley Ranchos wants to encourage its customers to fix broken or defective plumbing, sprinklers, watering or irrigation systems.
Apple Valley Ranchos provides water-saving programs, such as Ultra High-Efficiency Toilet Program; Conservation Irrigation Nozzle Program; and Cash for Grass (replacing residential grass with desert smart plants).
Apple Valley Ranchos also offers no-cost water conservation tools including Indoor conservation kits, shut-off nozzles, shower timers and toilet flappers.
The release encourages residents to keep running only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine; continue to take five-minute or shorter showers, install low-flow showerheads, and high-efficiency toilets and clothes washers.
Those interested in Ranchos’ programs or kits should contact water conservation representative Norma Armenta by sending an email to armenta@avrwater.com or calling 760-240-8329.