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Press Release - October 2, 2006
Contact:
Catherine Bowie
California American Water
T: 831-646-3208
catherine.bowie@amwater.com
Peninsula Consumers Meet State-Imposed Water Conservation Targets for 9th Consecutive Year
MONTEREY, Calif. – California American Water announced this week that its pumping of both the Carmel River and the Seaside Aquifer are well under state and local regulatory limits, thanks to the conservation efforts of its customers and careful management of the community’s limited water resources. The official ″water year“ ended Saturday, September 30th at which point, actual pumping from Carmel Valley wells and the Seaside Aquifer was 13,804.7 acre-feet - 1,098.4 AF below regulated limits.
"The level of conservation that has been accomplished in this community is nothings short of amazing,“ said California American Water General Manager Steve Leonard. “Residents here understand the relationship between the water they use in their homes, at their businesses and in their landscaping and the Carmel River. Thanks to everyone doing their part to save water, we have been able once again to avoid fines and to help protect our environment.“
In 1995, the State Water Resources Control Board ordered California American Water to limit its pumping of the Carmel River by nearly seventy percent. The order was driven by studies that showed that California American Water’s wells near the Carmel River were pumping river underflow rather than traditional groundwater, as was previously believed. Having recently suffered through one of the worst drought periods in the region’s history, it was determinded that California American Water’s operations were contributing to decreased river flows, which in turn were adversely effecting river habitat, such as the threatened steelhead trout and California red-legged frog. Since that time, California American Water has been working closely with state and federal agencies - such as NOAA, to rescue fish and reduce pumping while seeking to identify a new water supply.
A recent study by the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District demonstrated that Peninsula water use is down a full 30% since 1988, despite additional water hook-ups. A high level of water awareness and responsible behavior on the part of residents has been significantly bolstered by programs such as the Pebble Beach Company’s use of treated wastewater for irrigation of its golf courses, which largely accounts for a 70% reduction in Peninsula golf course water use. California American Water’s introduction of a tiered-rate structure, which penalizes high water users and rewards conservation is another key influencing factor. In addition, the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District leads an ambitious program to retrofit residences and businesess with low-flow water devices and manages a generous rebate program for the installation of water-saving toilets, washing machines and dishwashers.
Every year, California American Water conducts a comprehensive community outreach plan to keep water conservation on the minds of its customers. The campaign targets summer months in particular, when consumption is at its highest, due to outdoor water use. This year’s campaign included participation in community events, such as the Monterey County Fair, Pacific Grove Good Old Days, Earth Day and the Watershed Fesitival for Life, in which free water-saving devices were distributed to customers. Direct mail and print and broadcast advertising focused on available rebate programs, practical tips for saving water and raising awareness of the environmental challenges facing the Carmel River watershed.
Since Order 95-10, several proposals have been advanced to augment the Monterey Peninsula’s water supply. At present, the company is moving forward with the Coastal Water Project, a proposal involving desalination and aquifier storage and recovery that will supplement current water recylcing and conservation measures. The California Public Utilities Commission is currently conducting an environmental review of the project proposal and will provide opportunities for public participation and input. To learn more about the Coastal Water Project, visit www.coastalwaterproject.com.
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California American Water provides quality water and/or wastewater services to over 600,000 people in 50 communities across the state. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Water, the largest and most geographically diversified provider of water services in North America. American Water employs approximately 7,000 dedicated people who serve over 18 million in 29 states and 3 Canadian provinces. More information can be found by visiting www.calamwater.com.
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