Pledge to join the 20-gallon challenge!

Conservation has been a way of life in San Diego County for many years, and its importance continues today. In June 2007, The San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies created the 20-Gallon Challenge to increase voluntary water conservation. The 20-Gallon Challenge was a response to reduced water supplies caused by regulatory restrictions, lingering drought, and cutbacks from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, San Diego County's main water supplier. The goal of the 20-Gallon Challenge was to reduce average water use in the region by 20 gallons per person per day.

Since its inception, the 20-Gallon Challenge has provided conservation information, water saving tips, links to rebates , and recognition of water savers throughout the region. This information helped residents and businesses to significantly reduce water use. . Daily water use has gone down from 185 gallons per person per day in 2007 to 143 gallons in 2010, more than exceeding the goal of the 20GC in 2007. Today, the 20GC remains an important resource to home and business owners wanting to fulfill their civic duty of using water wisely every day.

Significant improvements in weather and water storage in 2011 led the San Diego County Water Authority to end mandatory urban and agricultural water supply cutbacks and to lift the agency’s regionwide call for mandatory water use restrictions, effective April 29, 2011. Statewide snowpack levels were well above average as of May 1, 2011. Regionwide water use also has declined nearly 23 percent since 2007. Water Authority staff estimates short-term supply conditions have improved to the point where shortages are unlikely for at least two years.

Although the drought is over, we must continue the wise water use practices established during the recent shortage. Ensuring a safe and reliable water supply is a long-term challenge here in semi-arid Southern California. Residents and businesses must continue their efficient use of water both indoors and outdoors in the face ongoing supply challenges and the long-term achievement of a state-mandated 20 percent reduction in water use by 2020.

The good news is, everyone can help the region meet the water saving goal by following the water-wise tips outlined on the 20-Gallon Challenge website.

Saving 20 gallons a day is easier than you might think. Some simple changes can make a big difference in your water use. Keep in mind that more than 50 percent of urban water use in San Diego is spent on landscape irrigation and other outdoor purposes, so make sure you think inside AND outside to maximize water savings.

The 20-Gallon Challenge, created as part of the San Diego County Water Authority’s Water Shortage and Drought Response Plan, now serves as an important resource for water saving information and helpful tips.

In addition, the Water Authority’s website has a conservation section to plan, guide and implement future conservation programs that can help the region achieve permanent, long-term water savings.

CONSERVATION TIPS FOR RESIDENTS
CONSERVATION TIPS FOR BUSINESSES

If your community group or organization would like to learn more about being "Water Smart", water supply reliability, or other critical water issues affecting the San Diego region, visit our Speakers' Bureau web page or contact Teresa Penunuri, Community Relations Representative at tpenunuri@sdcwa.org to request a speaker. The Speakers' Bureau is a free service to the community.