Mammoth Community Water District Level 3 Water Shortage Conditions Still in Effect
Rain in May Helped Conservation Efforts But Fail to Replenish Surface Water Supplies.
Statement from the Mammoth Community Water District:
Conservation, cooler temperatures and rainfall in May contributed to a significant reduction in water consumption by Mammoth Community Water District (MCWD) customers compared to May 2013. Unfortunately, not enough rain fell to raise Mammoth Creek flows to levels that would allow MCWD to store water in Lake Mary or to divert water to customers. As a result, MCWD would like to remind customers that water supplies remain at a critical level as we start the summer irrigation season.
May water demand from MCWD customers this year was 54 percent lower than May 2013, saving 55 million gallons of water. This reduction exceeds the MCWD’s Level 3 reduction goal of 30 percent. Although this May received an inch more rain than in 2013, the savings is still significant. General Manager Pat Hayes remarked “Our customers are keenly aware of their environment and are seeing the effects of the drought. It seems this connection is translating into turning down the spigot.” The year 2013 is being used as the baseline for comparison purposes by the state and MCWD.
The MCWD has been almost entirely dependent on groundwater supplies since last year. Surface water has been limited or unavailable as Mammoth Creek flows have been too low to divert for drinking water supplies. These limits to storage and diversions are embedded in MCWD’s water right permit and licenses to protect Mammoth Creek resources. Fortunately, the MCWD can turn to their nine groundwater production wells this summer to supply the community. MCWD is keeping a close watch on groundwater levels this summer as we transition into the irrigation season. For MCWD customers, Level 3 Water Shortage Restrictions remain in effect until conditions improve. All customers are encouraged to visit the MCWD website for a list of the restrictions.
http://www.mcwd.dst.ca.us/
cover photo courtesy of the Mammoth Community Water District