Drought regulations easing up in the Coachella Valley?

It’s possible valley residents can look forward to using water just a little bit more this summer.

While it hasn’t been officially decided yet, local water districts may soon be the ones to call the shots on daily use conservation after considering what has been saved so far and the dry environment of the Coachella Valley.

Conservation and Public Affairs Officer for Mission Springs Water District, John Soulliere says this is an especially important move for lower income residents who use far less water than others and are asked to conserve at the same rate.

Soulliere says MSWD would like to see water use conservation relax from 25% to as low as 10%.

“Local supply says that this agency can supply ample water for three more years of drought if necessary. So we can prove or demonstrate our stability in supply which means we can set a standard that is related to that ability to supply the water. So I think we’re going to be fine. I think most of this valley is going to be fine,” says Soulliere.

We’re told that water districts in the area should have more clarity on what independence they may have with these decisions after meeting with the State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday.

“We know what we’re doing. Give us the benefit of the doubt, and allow us to do what we know best. You don’t see it from the ivory tower here. Let’s let us locals determine what’s best, and we’ll work with you, we’ll meet your standards, but let us help you understand the realistic goals that we should be setting for our communities,” Soulliere said.

He says that some restrictions we’ve gotten used to will still stay in place. Having a shut off valves on hoses, avoiding over-watering on lawns, and not spraying down side walks are all bans that are expected to stay, but if the state approves local control, districts will have the chance to set their own savings targets.

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