In response to the governor’s drought declaration, North Tahoe Public Utility District board of directors voted to put into effect the Stage 1 conservation measures for voluntary water reduction.

California adopted the 20 by 2020 Plan which requires all water purveyors achieve a 20 percent reduction in water use per-capita by 2020. The district has been working toward this requirement with changes such as low flow nozzles on sewer line cleaning trucks, replacing a washing machine with a low flow version, adding sensors to mains to detect leaks more quickly, all new water meters that are installed also help detect leaks on the customer’s side of the service, and staff has been reviewing irrigation settings at park facilities.

Early this year, the district’s water production was tracking in the correct direction. However, May 2014 water use was higher than May 2013.

“The district is required to report monthly to the state of California on our progress,” NTPUD officials said in a statement. “Remember, no matter how much you water your driveway, it still won’t grow. So, please check the spray direction on your irrigation and eliminate excess run-off.”

The district is providing conservation supplies for residents to help save water. Items such as a moisture meter for indoor and outdoor plants, shower timer, dish squeegee, water wheel with conservation tips, hose nozzle, drip counter, shower/faucet flow meter, and leak detection dye tabs are all available to help find ways around to conserve water.

All North Tahoe Public Utility District customers are welcome to pick up these items free of charge at the district offices.