Manteca’s water use is increasing faster than its population.
Last month there was an 8 percent increase in water compared to April 2018. Meanwhile the population over the same time period went up 2,759 residents or just over a 3 percent increase.
April water use was 319 million gallons compared to 296 million gallons a year prior. Last month’s water use was a virtual carbon copy of April 2014. Using a five-year yardstick with the city adding just over 9,000 residents since 2014, per capita water consumption is down by more than 10 percent from April 2014 to April 2019.
Manteca’s peak historical water consumption for April was in 2013 when it pushed 420 million gallons.
“The total is still well below the peak year back in 2013 but the ongoing trend has been more and more,” Public Works Director Mark Houghton said of last month’s water use. “Overall the state is in good shape for water supply but we continue to encourage residents to conserve this precious resource. As people start to turn their sprinklers back on it’s a good time to check and make sure that they are set to operate on the correct days and for the correct amount of time. City water staff is available to help folks who need assistance programming their sprinkler timers.”
Manteca’s water rules
The stricter water rules that were adopted for Manteca residents and businesses 47 months ago and are still in effect are as follows:
No irrigation is allowed during or within 48 hours following measurable rainfall as defined by storms that generate run-off or puddles.
No watering is allowed on Monday or any day between noon and 6 p.m. Watering for even addresses is on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday while odd addresses can water on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
No water will be allowed on any day at any time for washing off sidewalks, driveways, patios, parking lots or other exterior non-landscaped areas without a permit obtained from the Manteca Public Works Department office at the Civic Center.
No water will be allowed to flow into a gutter or other drainage area for longer than 5 minutes. All water leaks or malfunctions in plumbing or irrigation systems must be fixed with 24 hours.
Penalties include a written notice on the first violation, a $100 fine with applicable fees on the second violation that may be waived by attending a water conservation workshop; a $200 fine and applicable fees on the third violation; and $500 fines for each and every subsequent violation plus applicable fees.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
