The drought may be over but water conservation efforts won’t end in Manteca.
The Manteca City Council when they meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center will review a report from Public Works Director Mark Houghton that indicates “staff will continue to encourage permanent conservation efforts and hence, recommend no changes to the current water use rules.”
It follows the position Gov. Jerry Brown took when he lifted the drought emergency on April 7 when he noted, “This drought emergency is over, but the next drought could be around the corner. Conservation must remain a way of life.”
 Houghton provides data about the record rainfall this year and the snowpack that was at 191 percent of normal on May 1 in the Central Sierra as well as data that shows despite the record rain this year, the region’s water supply, when measured since the beginning of the drought, is still in an overall deficit when compared to the historic average.
“While many communities in the state had to impose more sever water conservation measures during the drought, Manteca was able to meet the state conservation requirements without drastic measures,” Houghton noted. “The focus of the measures was to eliminate any wasteful practices. These measures are considered good practice and demonstrate appropriate stewardship for this precious resource regardless of current water supply conditions.”
Manteca residents and businesses are heeding the advice and following the city’ stepped up conservation rules. April water use was down 40 percent compared to the benchmark of April 2013. It is the lowest Manteca water use for an April since 2003 when the city had 15,000 fewer residents.
Houghton noted the citizen’s water conservation advisory committee appointed by the council will be meeting soon to advise elected leaders on whether they believe the committee needs to continue searching for ways to save water.
 Manteca’s water rules
The stricter water rules that have been in place for Manteca residents and businesses for 23 months are as follows:
uNo irrigation is allowed during or within 48 hours following measurable rainfall as defined by storms that generate run-off or puddles.
uNo 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.
uNo 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.
uNo 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 application plus applicable fees.
The city has also adopted more water wise landscape requirements for front yards of new homes as well as offers rebates for those that buy water efficient toilets and washing machines as well as replace landscaping that uses a lot of water with more drought resistant items.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com