MCWD UPDATE ON CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND WATER SUPPLY

Water demand drops 25% in August and groundwater pumping supplies almost 75% of MCWD water supply during this year’s drought. 

Mammoth Lakes, CA – Last month, Mammoth Community Water District customers made a significant effort to conserve water, and as a result, water demand dropped 25% from previous years.  This conservation effort from our customers contributes directly to maintaining a reliable water supply during the extended drought.  Our water supply consists of a mix of surface water and groundwater, and recycled water is used for golf-course irrigation.  With severely drought-limited surface water supplies this year, our groundwater supply has been essential to meet customer’s needs. Groundwater production has supplied almost 75% of our water supply during peak demand this summer, from 53% in June to 74% in July and August. Contributions from surface water and recycled water contributed 18% and 8% respectively.

Heavy reliance on groundwater pumping has stressed our wells and resulted in reducing the production capacity of two of our nine production wells.  The largest user of water, outdoor irrigation demand, is expected to decrease in September as the days shorten and cooler temperatures return.  We would like to thank our customers for the significant saving in water to date and request that conservation efforts continue.  Level 1 water restrictions are still in effect:

• Even numbered addresses irrigate on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
• Odd numbered addresses irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
• No irrigation between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm
• A hose must be equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle
• No washing of hard surfaces is allowed unless for safety or health reasons
• Leaks must be repaired within five days after notification from the MCWD

This year’s drought and heavy reliance on pumping underscores the importance of protecting our groundwater resources from potential adverse impacts of increased geothermal production by Ormat near our well locations.  These adverse impacts include polluting the groundwater and reducing the supply. The MCWD remains committed to pursuing a monitoring and mitigation plan for the geothermal plant expansion that protects our water resources and ensures the continued availability of a reliable water supply.