Southern California finds new ways to maximize every drop

Environment News Service: There is 70 percent chance of rain in Los Angeles today, which would bring some relief to the parched area. Even so, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is asking that residents find ways to reduce water use at home. To help people understand how dry the area really is, the utility has unveiled a new Internet tool to track Southland water reserve levels.

Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger said the new tool's debut in January on the district's website, www.mwdh2o.com, helps illustrate the importance and continued need for increased conservation and regional partnerships to help achieve greater water savings. He says wise water use must be a permanent part of everyday life.

"The possibility of mandatory water cutbacks and rationing is quite real should voluntary water-saving efforts not prove enough," Kightlinger said. "We believe that, given the right information and tools, consumers and businesses will respond by taking additional steps to reduce water use. This new tracking gauge for Southland water reserves is one way to help keep our customers and the general public informed."

…In Orange County, a grant program funded by the Metropolitan Water District is helping households find ways to reduce their water consumption at home, while developing methods to also cut down on the amount of water runoff that flows into gutters and down to the ocean. The Low Impact Development Retrofit program, offered through the nonprofit Orange County Coastkeeper, networks interested homeowners with design and installation professionals….

Los Angeles River, looking east, downstream, from the Victory Boulevard bridge. The bridge is the Interstate 5, and the office buildings are in downtown Glendale. This is the only part of the river which does not have a concrete bottom. Released into the public domain by the photographer, en:user:User2004