 In the 1980s, California experienced a six-year drought period that, for the first time, forced water planners and the public to be more aware of the impact of mother nature on water supply. During the summer of 1986, our district technically ran out of water due to lack of rain and competition for a limited water supply. Fortunately, we had previously arranged to receive emergency water supplies so nobody’s tap actually went dry.
A new water era...
We have been developing creative solutions to balance our water supply needs and the environment since the early 1990s. This decade has brought about a new water era where water purveyors are now working together to encourage resource conservation, regional planning and finding ways to boost efficiency and productivity.
Balancing our water supply needs…
Our region’s population is expected to more than double in the next 20 years. That means more significant water demands by a growing number of residents will be occurring within a drought-probable area. Facing that reality, we continually work to ensure our customers’ long-term water supply through regional leadership to balance our water supply needs with those of the environment.
We also offer several free programs and services to help our customers use water efficiently.
Protecting our future water supply...
San Juan Water District’s future water supplies will be strongly affected by new government policies on water. In 1992, the federal government passed the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, a law requiring all water purveyors served by us to charge a metered water rate. As a result of this law, SJWD transitioned all commercial and residential customers to a metered rate in 2005.
With meters, customers will only pay for the amount of water they actually use. Most customers will experience higher bills during the summer months and much lower bills during the winter months.
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