Laura Sturza
With California on the verge of a drought, residents are urged to
use low-cost techniques to stave off a water emergency -- and
ultimately save money.
"We have just completed a year with the lowest recorded rainfall
in the history of Los Angeles or San Diego," Burbank Water and Power
Director Ron Davis said. "There are cities that are already on strict
water rationing."
The only reason Gov. Gray Davis has not declared it a drought is
because of stored water, Davis said.
It pays to conserve, but exact savings estimates depend on
household use. Rebates of up to $75 each are available from BWP to
replace toilets with low-flush models.
The greatest drain on water is from outdoor use, officials said,
with sprinklers aimed at sidewalks, rather than grass. Landscaping
with native plants and watering lawns early in the morning when less
of it can evaporate in the heat of the day are two conservation
tactics.
Burbank used 6% less water this summer, which Davis attributes to
mild weather and conservation efforts. He hopes residents will
continue to be aware of water usage.
"We would ask everyone to conserve so that the shortages that have
hit other cities don't hit us," Davis said.
BWP's Conservation Services program can be reached at 238-3730 or
www.burbank- utilities.com.
