Think the drought’s over? Don’t turn on that sprinkler just yet.
On Monday, May 9, Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order “making water conservation a California way of life.” In other words, drought regulations — from limits on outdoor irrigation to water use targets — will remain in effect in perpetuity throughout the State of California.
“Californians stepped up during this drought and saved more water than ever before,” Gov. Brown said in a statement. “But now we know that drought is becoming a regular occurrence and water conservation must be a part of our everyday life.”
The executive order means some things will likely change in Malibu and in water districts across the state, but details are few.
According to information from various sources, residential water use targets may shift for some customers, as more discretionary power is placed in the hands of water wholesalers and retailers.
Scientists predicted a historic El Niño weather event would hit California this winter, bringing with it rain and snow to ease the drought. While certain areas of Northern California got some relief, El Niño failed to refresh water reserves, keeping most of California in a years-long drought.
Water use statewide went down by an “unprecedented” 23.9 percent from June 2015 to March 2016, but the drought remains, inspiring Gov. Brown to look to the future and continue regulation.
“Drought conditions may persist in some parts of the state into 2017 and beyond, as warmer winter temperatures driven by climate change reduce water supply held in mountain snowpack and result in drier soil conditions,” the executive order stated.
The order goes on to say, “These ongoing drought conditions and our changing climate require California to move beyond temporary emergency drought measures and adopt permanent changes to use water more wisely and prepare for more frequent and persistent periods of limited water supply.”
How these permanent measures will affect the City of Malibu is yet unclear, according to officials.
“I know that there’s something our water wholesaler and water retailer are working together on, but I don’t know yet what the city’s requirements will be,” Jennifer Brown, Senior Environmental Programs Coordinator with the City of Malibu, told The Malibu Times after the executive order was signed.
Jennifer Brown added that the city is in the planning stages of a water education and conservation festival at Point Dume Marine Science School, scheduled for June 18.
The event, entitled “Malibu’s One Water Festival,” will include educational activities such as learning about drought tolerant gardens and identifying leaks, as well as kids’ activities, food and live entertainment.
Mayor Laura Rosenthal said she was also waiting to hear what Malibu’s wholesaler, West Basin, and retailer, District 29, will decide when it comes to water use restrictions for Malibu residents, but that Malibu is up for whatever challenges come this way.
“I look forward to helping all the residents and businesses of Malibu help to reduce their water usage so that we can meet whatever target is set for us, and also to be good stewards of the environment,” Rosenthal said.
Repeated calls to the Los Angeles County Public Works Department went unanswered.