The City of Ripon continues to keep up with its strong water conservation efforts during the hot summer months.
At Tuesday’s Ripon City Council meeting, Ted Johnston, who is the Director of Public Works, reported a reduction of 30.6 percent for June based on the figures from three years ago at this time.
This comes on the heels of the State Water Resources Control Board reporting a state-wide reduction of 28 percent for May – that’s compared to May 2013.
Ripon reported a 38.6 percent reduction during that span.
The State Water Board added that the overall savings by local suppliers – try 1.6 million acre free in the 12 months since the mandatory conservation goals began – should be enough water to supply eight million people for a year.
“The phenomenal ongoing water conservation by state residents as we enter the hottest summer months clearly shows California understand we remain in stubborn drought conditions statewide and that saving water is just the smart thing to do,” said board Chair Felicia Marcus in her July report.
Ripon, meanwhile, reopened the interactive water feature at the Mistlin Sports Park.
“It’s finally up and running – we had a lot of little issues but we managed to hammer out some of the bugs,” Johnston said.
The fountain had been kept dry for the past year as part of the city’s water conservation efforts. But elected leaders voted to have it turned back on after demands grew strong from folks looking to enjoy a place to cool off in town.
For now, the water feature is open three days a week – Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – and will be reduced down to strictly weekends once classes resume next month.
To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.