Can you remember the last time it rained? Neither can most area residents.  In fact, a good soaking is such a distant memory that officials are once again preparing for the worst. Neighboring cities such as Roseville and Elk Grove have been conserving their water for months as drought like conditions continue. Rancho Cordova is next in line.

The Sacramento County Water Agency called for it’s 50,000 customers in and around Rancho Cordova to cut their water use by 10%. While this doesn’t seem like an extreme measure at this point, especially when compared to other water conservation programs throughout the nation, we can all do our small part. Major cities that are facing a perpetual drought like Phoenix, Arizona have very strict regulations concerning water waste. Arizona residents could face monetary fines of up to $2,500 and termination of water service if caught wasting water on a  regular basis.

While the Sacramento area isn’t facing drought conditions of that proportion, water supplies are being cut, and residents are being asked to be a little more aware of the water they are using. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation cut the amount of water the Sacrament County Water Agency was allowed due to the lower than expected snow melt runoff to Folsom Lake.  The division chief of the water agency, Herb Niederberger, told area residents, “We’re asking for just prudent use of your water supplies, making sure that you’re using it efficiently so that there’s water for everyone”.

The agency has approved a list of common sense water saving tips that include turning off the water when you’re brushing your teeth and putting covers on pools and spas. At this point, just being aware of how we’re using our water and making small cuts where we can could save our community from a more serious threat in the future.