Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is tapping upstream drought reserves and is requesting the ongoing, voluntary 10-percent water reductions as part of the region’s water conservation efforts.
According to Bill Hauck, TMWA’s senior hydrologist, tapping into reserves means we have entered into a critical period of water-production.
Click the links below for information on ways to conserve water.
The following statement was issued today by TMWA:
Customer conservation will have a direct impact on the amount of water we are able to keep in our upstream reservoirs. This is the time when conservation is critical and when customers can make the most difference by saving at least 10 percent and conserving water both indoors and outdoors.
TMWA has planned for the decreased river flows we are currently seeing and is now releasing water from our drought-storage reservoirs to meet customer demand. Production wells are also being tapped to supplement water supply. This means that every drop of water saved now—at home and at work—can be held back and stored for later use should we need it.
TMWA is asking for at least a 10% reduction in water use—both indoors and outdoors—from all customers, including homes, businesses, homeowner’s associations and apartment complexes. Taking this a step further, the conservation request is also extended to our community’s private well owners. Although these well owners are not TMWA customers, we all use the same water resources and need to work together in our conservation efforts. Remember: any water saved now, both upstream and underground, will help the whole community.
Everyone can find a way to save at least 10%. If you’re not sure where to start, visit tmwa.com/save to learn 10 easy ways to save 10%. TMWA’s planning and projections show a 10% reduction in water use will allow TMWA to retain 5,000 acre feet of water in upstream drought reserves. That’s over 1.6 billion gallons of water. This will help TMWA maintain sufficient reserves for next year, should the drought continue.
Please continue to observe TMWA’s three-day-a-week watering schedule, watering on your assigned days and not watering between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.—the hottest part of the day, Also, if you see water being wasted, please let us know by calling our conservation department at 834-8005 or using the online form: www.tmwa.com/waste. If you would like a water audit to help you determine how best to save water at your home or business, please call 834-8080.
