Use 20 Percent Less

News coverage of the Board of Supervisors’ declaration of a “water emergency” last week provided important information on the impact of the recently declared statewide drought.

At that meeting, I asked staff to take steps to help the public learn more about what the county and our residents can do to address this significant issue. The CEO’s office has posted a “water wise” tip sheet for reducing water usage, available here.

I encourage residents to join with me and be thoughtful about water use.

• Never leave a tap running, whether to brush your teeth or wash dishes.

• Keep showers as short as possible.

• Only do full loads of laundry.

• Make sure sprinklers are watering plants, not pavement.

As a lifelong resident of Southern California, I know the challenges we encounter by living in an arid region. I believe that if we all take some small steps, like those listed above, we can go a long way toward the goal of a 20 percent reduction in water use that the Board of Supervisors has called for. The residents of Santa Barbara County can reach this goal, if we work together to achieve it!