Last week, following an exceptionally dry winter season, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought,, California’s first in 17 years. The announcement included a call to reduce statewide water use by 20 percent. The governor urged local water agencies to implement major conservation measures.

In April, Sustainable San Mateo County released the 2008 Indicators for a Sustainable San Mateo County, SSMCs 12th annual report card which in particular forecasted concerns over water supply and demand. The County’s demand is projected to increase some 20 percent by 2030. Because the county mostly relies on one source (Hetch Hetchy) for its water, proactive conservation efforts like Redwood City’s recycled water system is imperative.

It is unclear whether this drought will last and impact us the way it did in the late 1980s. Before we find out, homeowners can save more than a dozen gallons of water a day with these simple water tips www.monolake.org/waterconservation.

For more information on our regions status with water, visit the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency www.bawsca.org/. For a copy of the SSMC Indicators Report, CLICK HERE or call Sustainable San Mateo County at 650-638-2323.