City of Bishop press release

City of Bishop water customers used 18.5% less water in September 2015 than they used in 2013. Although this use in 2015 is about 10 million gallons less than used in 2013, it falls almost 5 million gallons short of the 25% reduction required by the state due to the drought.

The State of California required that the City of Bishop implement water conservation measures to achieve the state-required 25% reduction in water use in 2015 compared to 2013. The water conservation measures in place in the City of Bishop can be found at http://www.cityofbishop.com/wp-content/uploads/20150414WaterConservationMeasures.pdf.

In December, the city will have to report to the state how well its users have conserved water. The city could be subject to fines if it doesn’t meet the 25% reduction in water use.

Unfortunately, even though Bishop water customers are saving a lot of water, it appears likely Bishop will not meet the state-required 25% reduction.

Bishop water users should cut back on irrigation as the fall days get shorter and cooler. It is easy to keep watering this time of year like it is still the long hot days of summer, but it is time to cut back.

Also, with chances of showers showing up in the forecast, it is worth remembering the state prohibits watering during and within 48 hours after it rains.

Saving water saves money, reduces water rates, protects groundwater, is the right thing to do, and is now required by the state. Contact the City of Bishop Department of Public Works at 873-8458 for more information on water conservation and the City’s water system.