Along with many parts of the state, the City of Napa is experiencing a drought and our reservoirs are at abnormally low levels. Because the most two recent winters (2019-20 and 2020-21) have been extremely dry, there is a strain on our imported State Water Project supply and Lake Hennessey is at a recent historically low level for summer.
To combat this shortage, On May 4th, the Napa City Council declared a Moderate Water Shortage to reduce the city’s overall water usage by 15% from last summer. On July 20th, Council approved additional restrictions on outdoor irrigation use. Water use efficiency and conservation is an integral part of Napa’s long-term water management strategy. In compliance with California law and to further address climate change, Napa wants everyone to use water more wisely and to make water conservation a way of life.
While this may seem overwhelming, the good news is that even seemingly small and simple actions can make a huge difference to our city’s overall water consumption. Plus, reducing your own water usage saves you money. Napa’s Utilities Department is available to help make every count drop and ensure residents have all the information they need to reduce their own water bill through conservation tips, financial incentives, free water-saving devices, and educational opportunities.
If you have questions about Napa’s efforts to conserve and reduce our water usage, visit https://www.cityofnapa.org/583/Water-Conservation. There, you can find a number of links to different resources, videos and a Home Water Use Calculator that can help guide you to make every drop count.
To get you started, here are some easy ways to get started on your water conservation journey:
- Reduce outdoor irrigation to just two days per week
- Even number addresses irrigate only on Mondays and Thursdays
- Odd number addresses irrigate only on Tuesdays and Fridays
- Only run FULL loads of laundry and dishes
- Turn off the water while you lather with soap, shave or brush your teeth
- Never flush wipes, tissues, masks, gloves or paper towels down the toilet
- Use a broom to clean off patios, decks, sidewalks and driveways instead of a hose
- Find and fix leaks
- Ask Napa’s Water Conservation Specialist for a free Water-Wise Home Survey
- Convert your high-water-use turfgrass to climate-appropriate water-wise plants through our “Cash For Grass” Rebate Program
Read Napa’s current Water Waste Prohibitions or check out our latest Drought Update.