Ripon residents continue their efforts of cutting back on 30 percent or better on water usage per month.
They far exceeded that monthly goal in November, cutting back 47 percent with 2013 as baseline comparison on actual volume of water used.
Even with the current rain much of California including the Northern San Joaquin Valley is in the fifth year of drought. Water experts say it will take an above normal year of rain and snow to break the drought’s grip on the Golden State.
“We’ve done something right,” said Director of Public Works Ted Johnston at Tuesday’s Ripon City Council meeting.
Included was adding two more signs around town on the one-day-a-week irrigation schedule for the winter months (November through the end of February) – homes with odd addresses can water on strictly on Sundays while those on properties with even addresses are Saturdays only.
No watering will be allowed on Monday.
Johnston noted that his staff put up 240 door hangers along with one warning for in violation with this ordinance that began with the severe statewide drought.
Last year, Ripon was at 34 percent water reduction at this time, Johnston added.
In September, elected leaders opted to go with 30 percent as the city’s monthly water reduction goal rather than the staff-recommended 25 percent.
Council was optimistic back then of achieving that city-wide goal.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.