No more of this
“All communities in California are facing severe water shortages as prolonged dry conditions and endangered habitat preservations have reduced supplies,” said Shana Epstein, environmental utilities manager. “Last June, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared an official statewide drought.”
The drought is linked to global warming impacts, said Pavley. In addition, California made several court decisions relating to fish that restrict how much water can be taken from the delta, she said.
Beverly Hills receives 90 percent of its water from the MWD, according to Epstein. About 10 percent is locally produced by the City’s groundwater.
“The supply of water itself is now in jeopardy,” said City Councilwoman Linda Briskman, who has dedicated herself to researching this issue, working closely with Pavley’s office.
Briskman said the governor has introduced legislation to reduce water consumption by 20 percent by 2020.
This would affect the average per capita water use in a Beverly Hills home. Beverly Hills averages 275 gallons per day. The national average is only 150 gallons per day.
“If this legislation is passed it would require a reduction of 15 percent in each home,” said Briskman.
15% of 275 gallons equals 41 gallons. A standard bathtub holds approximately 50 gallons of water when 3/4 full. A full-length shower with a modern showerhead uses only 8-10 gallons of water.
The moral of the story: cities such as Beverly Hills must reduce their number of bath takers by the year 2020.
