Ed. Note: The following is a news release provided by the Newhall County Water District.

Newhall County Water District customers have continued to cut back water usage for the third consecutive month, using 30 percent less water for the month of August compared to 2013, exceeding the mandatory 28 percent cuts imposed by the state of California.  

“This is historic water conservation,” said Steve Cole, NCWD’s General Manager. “Our customers are saving water at unprecedented rates and we are extremely proud of their efforts. It’s a promising sign that NCWD’s approach of empowering customers to save water is working.”

While NCWD has implemented state-mandated regulations, it has focused more on direct customer engagement to save water.

For example, the NCWD board of directors opted to retain a three-day-per-week watering schedule over a more onerous two-day schedule.

The NCWD then provided data and information, including a mobile app and customized Water Efficiency Targets, to assist customers in making personal conservation choices.

Since June 1, 2015, NCWD customers have used an average of 31 percent less water than the same three months in 2013. This translates into roughly 330,000,000 gallons of water saved, enough to cover Six Flags Magic Mountain in nearly four feet of water.

Related Story: Newhall Water Use Down 28 Percent Since 2013

“The numbers are staggering,” continued Cole. “The savings are occurring across all types of water users, including businesses, residents and large-scale accounts. Our focus is now to sustain this level of conservation through the fall and winter.”

The State’s mandatory water use restrictions are currently slated to last through Feb. 2016.

However, water use historically spikes in the warmer summer months, making this stretch vitally important to achieving the overall goal by February.

Districts who do not meet their reduction target are subject to penalties upwards of $10,000 per day from the State.

Tools in the Tool Box

NCWD has deployed a comprehensive set of tools – from high-tech to grassroots efforts – to engage customers and empower water-wise choices. These tools include:

• Water Efficiency Target: Customized water-use target number for essentially all residential customers in District
• iConserve Mobile App: Allows neighbors to help each other save water
• “Gage the Water Champ” Yard Signs
• Frequent emails and newsletters
• Direct mail, canvassing and door-hangers

To learn more about NCWD’s Drought Action Plan, visit the District’s Website here.