A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Aromas Water District Urging Heightened Water Conservation By Customers in Response to Drought

          WHEREAS,  our geographical region is experiencing the third consecutive year of below normal precipitation, with 2013 the driest year on record; and

           WHEREAS, the District is within the overdrafted Pajaro Valley water basin; and

           WHEREAS, extremely dry conditions have persisted since 2012 and may continue beyond this year and more regularly into the future, based on scientific projections of the impact of climate change upon rainfall patterns, runoff rates and recharge volumes in our region, requiring both short and long term approaches to better manage our water resources; and

          WHEREAS, on January 17, 2014, Governor Brown declared a State of Emergency to exist in California due to prolonged drought conditions; and

           WHEREAS, the Governor has called on all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water usage 20 percent, to ease the effects of the water shortage on agriculture, communities, and fish and wildlife.

           WHEREAS, though local water supply conditions vary around the state, California is nevertheless in a statewide drought, and it is critical that all residents do what they can to use water wisely to maximize supplies and protect water reserves in case next year is dry, too; and

           WHEREAS, Aromas Water District continues to make investments in local programs to improve water supply reliability, including customer outreach, Laundry to Landscape programs, drought tolerant garden demonstrations, conservation tips and events on AWD web site and will continue to do so; and

           NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Aromas Water District recognizes that California is in a statewide drought and there is a critical need for all Californians to use water wisely on an ongoing basis and heighten their conservation efforts now as the state continues to face drought conditions; and

           BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors thanks its customers for their ongoing water efficiency efforts and asks that they re-double those efforts wherever possible at this time in response to the drought;

Passed and Adopted the 23rd day of April 2014 in Aromas, California