Droughts

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The state has faced frequent droughts over the past years including the 2011-2017 drought, the worst in recorded history. Droughts will only increase in frequency with climate change, especially since warmer temperatures will reduce the amount of snow in the Sierra Nevada where we get our water from. Conserving water is important even when we aren’t in a drought — saving water helps reduce costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. See below for more information on water conservation and preparing for future droughts.

Home water conservation

There are many ways that you can adjust your home to be more water efficient. For tips on how to conserve water, see the sites below.

There are also free water efficiency shower heads and faucet add-ons that help save water and money. You can sign up here to have them sent to you through the Rising Sun Center.

Water-efficient landscaping

Maintaining lawns and gardens during the long dry season can require lots of water, but there are many simple steps to make your landscaping more efficient. Some common techniques include planting native species, replacing lawns with drought tolerant plants, and watering at night or early in the morning. For more strategies, see Burlingame’s website or Bay Area Gardening.

For some new developments and large remodeling projects, there may be additional requirements on the water efficiency of the plants and landscaping.

Water affordability

Water bill expenses can add up quickly. In addition to saving water using the strategies listed above, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can help low-income families who are behind on water or sewer bills. See here for more information and to apply.

City efforts

The City is currently working to prepare for future droughts and limited water supplies. In addition to securing increased water access through deals with surrounding cities, the City is currently expanding its backup groundwater wells in case of extreme drought or damage to the regional water system (such as an earthquake). The City has developed two additional groundwater wells and is working to connect the water system with two other local water districts to increase resilience.

The City has also updated the Water Shortage Contingency Plan which outlines how the City will respond to different levels of drought and what restrictions will be put in place. More details on overall water planning can be found in the Urban Water Master Plan.

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