Are We Still in a Drought?

DROUGHT-FREE

After an exceptionally wet winter, with large amounts of local precipitation and an above-average Sierra Nevada snowpack, California is now drought-free. For the first time since 2011, California has returned to almost entirely normal conditions and is no longer suffering from prolonged drought.

*US. Drought Monitor Map Comparison,
March 2014 and March 2019

Intensity

CONSERVE WATER

While reservoirs, lakes and groundwater basins are being replenished to alleviate dry conditions across the state, our local water sources, all of which come from local groundwater basins, may take years to replenish and erase the deficits from nearly two decades of drought. Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) encourages customers to always use water wisely and efficiently.

PLEASE DN'T

• Apply potable (drinking) water to outdoor landscapes that might cause significant runoff.
• Use a hose that dispenses potable water to wash vehicles, except when fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
• Apply potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after rainfall.

WATER EFFICIENCY

When it comes to using water efficiently, small adjustments can have a big impact. RPU offers a variety of rebates to assist customers to reduce their water usage and save on their water bill, including turf replacement, weather-based irrigation controllers, rotating sprinkler nozzles, rain barrels and soil moisture sensor systems.