Tri-Valley residents may want to adjust their sprinkler timers before the weekend.
Zone 7 Water Agency and local water providers are asking residents and businesses to significantly reduce outdoor water use for six days, from Saturday, June 27 through Thursday, July 2, while the California Department of Water Resources performs planned maintenance on State Water Project facilities.
That means putting a pause on watering lawns and landscaping wherever possible — along with washing cars at home, filling or refilling swimming pools, power washing, and other non-essential outdoor water uses.
The request affects customers served by California Water Service, Livermore Municipal Water Service, Dublin San Ramon Services District, and Pleasanton Municipal Water Service.
Officials say the work will temporarily reduce the amount of State Water Project water available to Zone 7, the Tri-Valley’s wholesale water supplier. The State Water Project supplies about 70% of the region’s water, making the maintenance period a time when conservation can help preserve local reserves for essential needs.
Zone 7 stressed that residents will not lose access to water. The agency and local retailers have prepared to continue service using stored imported water and local groundwater supplies. Still, cutting back on outdoor use for less than a week will help protect supplies for indoor needs, emergency response, and fire protection.
The request is voluntary and is not being framed as a new drought restriction or a sign that the Tri-Valley faces a broader water shortage.
Residents are encouraged to prepare before June 27 by deep watering landscapes using several short irrigation cycles, checking for leaks, and shortening or switching off automatic watering schedules. Pool owners can also top off pools beforehand and use covers to limit evaporation during the conservation period.
Properties that irrigate with recycled water are not included in the request, since the planned maintenance will not affect recycled water supplies.
Normal outdoor water use can resume Friday, July 3.
