Record heat and leaky sprinkler systems may be to blame for the City of Malibu’s regression in water conservation in the month of October, according to Waterworks District 29 acting District Engineer Dave Rydman, who spoke during the Monday, Nov. 23 City Council Meeting.
Average overall water conservation in Malibu from June through October 2015 came to 28 percent, compared to the same period in 2013. However, every month since June has seen conservation numbers slip lower.
“It is important to note that October 2015 was one of the warmest Octobers that has ever occurred in Malibu,” Rydman reminded Council, which according to him also resulted in the second-highest evaporation rate the city has experienced.
In addition, up to 90 percent of customers experience “either continuous or intermittent leaks” in irrigation systems, which could be to blame for lowered conservation rates.
“Some of our most conscious customers, that are serious about conservation, are still finding leaks in their sprinkler systems,” Rydman said.
Mayor Laura Rosenthal also encouraged District 29 customers to check out their sprinkler systems.
“It’s really clear people have leaks,” Rosenthal said. “Work on this, because this is bad.”