BREA : Water Use Exceeds Limit for October

Despite a strong response during the summer months, residents failed to meet the city’s October goal for a 10% reduction in water usage, officials said.

“Throughout the summer we met and surpassed this goal,” said Pat McCarron, director of maintenance services. “We are disappointed that we missed the goal this month.”

McCarron speculates that predictions of a wet winter were one of the reasons residents became relaxed about water conservation.

Earlier this year, the City Council passed a mandatory water reduction policy requiring all residents to reduce consumption by 10%. Several restrictive measures were also passed, such as those shutting down decorative fountains and prohibiting residents from watering down their driveways. Those who do not comply with the restrictions are subject to fines.

To help meet the November reduction goal, McCarron suggests a few conservation tips including cutting the use of automatic sprinklers during the cooler winter months, watering during the early morning or at night and using mulch, which helps retain soil moisture.

“We want to encourage citizens to keep up the fine effort they have shown during the warm summer months and meet or beat this level of water usage reduction every month of the year,” he said.