A recent update on water conservation efforts in Avalon shows a continuing trend of decline in water usage for the month of May. The update compared water usage from this time last year and found that during stage two rationing, which began August 2014, usage dropped almost 30 percent. That equals about 8 acre feet of water saved in May alone. Ron Garcia, region manager of public affairs for Edison, delivered the results at this week’s City Council meeting. Garcia said he commends the Island for their efforts in saving water and because of those efforts the next phase of rationing hasn’t come as quick as some have feared. However, at the meeting Garcia did reveal that Edison officials have begun honing in on a possible date for the start of stage three: Sept. 21. Now this date isn’t set in stone, but Garcia said if water usage continues as it has, September will most likely be the time when Island residents will have to reduce their water usage by 50 percent.
The next stage of rationing begins when the water level at the Middle Ranch Reservoir hits the 200 acre feet mark. Currently the water level at the Reservoir is at 249 acre feet. To date, stage two rationing has directly resulted in the conservation of almost 100 acre feet of water at the reservoir. In anticipation of stage three, Edison has begun searching for alternative water sources to aid the Island and help offset water rationing. Garcia also disclosed that seven water violations occured during May.
