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Manteca water use surges by 10 percent during September
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September water use in Manteca shot up 10 percent over 2015.
It marked the fifth consecutive month Manteca in year-to-year comparisons has seen a rise in water use from 2015 to 2016.
Manteca in September used 21 percent less than they did in the baseline year of 2013. However, Manteca’s target is to reduce water use 28% over 2013 levels.
The news of the upswing in Manteca water use comes as state officials (See “State board fears water-saving has been abandoned” on Page A3) are starting to talk about the possibility of re-imposing mandatory water restrictions after savings slid overall in August statewide. Forecasters are warning California could be headed into a sixth drought year this winter.
Manteca last year met the goal of reducing water 28 percent over 2013 levels despite adding more than 3,000 residents.
In August with the state relaxing rules a bit, Manteca residents used 18 percent less water than in August of 2013 but 14 percent more than in August of 2015.
The City Council on Tuesday appointed more members to the water conservation advisory committee to explore more long range strategies that can be put in place to sharpen Manteca’s water conservation efforts.
The stricter water rules have been in place for Manteca residents and businesses for a year are as follows:
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.
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.
Penalties include a written notice on the first violation, s 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 violations plus applicable fees.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com