There’s been a lot of talk about how consumers will be affected by California’s two new long-term water-use efficiency conservation bills (SB 606 and AB 1668), which were signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown on May 31, 2018.
The two new laws call for the creation of indoor and outdoor water-use targets for water agencies such as Paradise Irrigation District.
While the details haven’t been fully worked out, be assured that PID is working closely with state officials to determine how the district—and its customers—can best comply with the new requirements.
Here are a few questions we’ve heard—and the answers as we understand them now. As always, if you have specific questions about your water use, call PID at 877-4971 and we’ll work hard to get you the answers.
What does PID need to do?
Starting in 2023, urban water suppliers (such as PID ) will be required to submit a calculated urban water-use objective to the state. Urban water suppliers will be required to meet their water use objective by 2027, or face the possibility of fines. The urban water use objective will be based on customer residential water use efficiency standards for indoor and outdoor water use, and system-wide water loss standards.
Will individual water users be fined for exceeding water-use objectives?
No. The bills establish possible fines, starting in 2024, on local water agencies that do not meet their water-use objectives. These fines would be levied on the agencies, not individuals.
Will the state require individuals to adhere to a specific water use standard?
No. The water-use objectives target PID and are based on our district’s system-wide, aggregate water use. There is no requirement in these bills that individual households must adhere to a specific water-use standard.
How will PID meet these new urban water use objectives?
Each year, PID will be responsible for making sure water use meets the objective and helping our customers use water more efficiently so PID can meet those objectives.
How will the state calculate water efficiency standards?
Standards will be calculated using water efficiency standards for indoor and outdoor water use that are developed through research and public input.
The indoor calculation will initially be based on a provisional standard of 55 gallons of water a day per person in each household.
The outdoor calculation is still being determined, but will account for local climate and the number of irrigable acres, including residential and commercial outdoor landscaping in the district’s service area. Variances for special circumstances will also be allowed.
In 2025, the indoor standard is provisionally scheduled to change to 52.5 gallons of water a day per person. In 2030, it is provisionally scheduled to change to 50 gallons of water a day per person.
State water efficiency standards will use this calculation to develop an aggregate goal for PID. For example, a water agency that estimates it’s serving a population of 2,500 people would have a water efficiency standard based on 2,500 X 55 gallons per day. Outdoor and system water loss calculations are still being determined.
Will commercial water users be required to use water more efficiently?
Yes. By 2022, the state will adopt water use efficiency performance measures for various commercial, industrial and institutional (schools, parks, etc.) water users.
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Saturday, April 21
6 am to 3 pm
Prizes, Free Raffles, Snack Bar
Enjoy a day of family fun at Paradise Lake
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult; parents encouraged for assistance only. All California State Department of Fish and Game rules apply. Some fish purchased with a grant from the Butte County Fish and Game Commission.
Questions? Call 530-877-4971
Can you help with any of these?
- Cash to purchase fish & prizes
- Gift certificates for kids
- Food for Snack Bar
- Fishing & outdoor-related prizes
PID employees, businesses, and private individuals as well as local service clubs contribute to Kids Fishing Day. We wouldn't be able to do it without your donation, too. All proceeds raised through donations and the snack bar will go towards the purchase of fish for the event. We'll recognize your donations with a banner at the event and also in our final press release after the event. Your donation is tax-deductible and helps introduce our community's children to a great sport as well as the joy of outdoor fun.
Donate $250 to Kids Fishing Day and you and guest, (plus, up to two kids) will enjoy the recently stocked trout-filled waters of Paradise Lake from your boat on April 22. Only 15 slots available.
Feeling lucky instead? Buy a $5 raffle ticket for one of two slots. Raffle tickets available at Paradise Irrigation District and Fins, Fur and Feather Sports.
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