Staff reporter
Santa Cruz County is in extreme drought. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, we are experiencing moderate to exceptional drought in 38.5 % of the United States including Puerto Rico. In California 41 countries are in a drought with Santa Cruz among those. This represents more than 30% of California’s population. The latest heatwave has not helped the situation. Temperatures in Boulder Creek caused water to quickly evaporate at a much higher than normal rate. Fortunately the days following the heatwave saw slight showers but that only damped the soil and evaporated before it could measure anything significant. Water levels all over the state are at record lows. State Water Resources Control Board adopted an emergency regulation authorizing the Division of Water Rights to issue curtailment notices to water right holders in the Russian River watershed to safeguard the community’s drinking water availability later this year and next year. The Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin (SMGB) is a primary source of water supply for Scotts Valley, San Lorenzo Valley, and Santa Cruz. Similar regulations could be on the way here. At this point the Santa Cruz Mountain towns are not in mandatory conservation but all precautions are encouraged. That means common sense steps at this point. Don’t leave the water running, have a nozzle on all hoses, fix plumbing leaks within 24 hours. The drought triggers some new programs and activities for Scotts Valley Water District as well as San Lorenzo Valley Water District. One such program implements conservation devices. Low flow showerheads, kitchen sink dual swivel aerators, bathroom sink aerators, and yard signs reminding neighbors to go easy on the water. Installing aerators can save 1.2 gallons per person per day, according to the Save our Water website put out by the state of California. In addition, SLVWD is offering rebates. To see the full offers go to slvwd.com “It’s time for Californians to pull together once again to save water,” said California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “All of us need to find every opportunity to save water where we can: limit outdoor watering, take shorter showers, turn off the water while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. Homeowners, municipalities, and water diverters can help by addressing leaks and other types of water loss, which can account for over 30 percent of water use in some areas.”