Coachella Valley cuts water use by 35 percent — 31 percent more than December

While California's efforts as a state to save water seem to be stalling, the Coachella Valley saw great success combating the drought in January. 

Coachella Valley Water District customers used 35 percent less water in January compared to the same month in 2013, according to a press release. The huge water conservation rate comes just one month after a disheartening 3.6 percent savings in December 2015, compared to the same month in 2013. 

Along with the disappointing numbers in December 2015, as well as more rain than usual in January, the Coachella Valley Water District's conservation manager Katie Ruark said that increased drought penalties went into effect in December. Ruark said December's higher price tag on water penalties may have joined with those other factor in inspiring customers to kick conservation practices into gear.

“The intent of these rates is to get people’s attention,” Ruark said.

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According to the Coachella Valley Water District's press release, 75 percent of its customers are currently keeping their water use within limits imposed due to the drought, avoiding any penalty fees. Others could be paying up to $20 per unit of water they use over their allowance.

Ruark explained that water budgets are unique to every individual customer, based on their property's characteristics. During the drought, customers have been asked to limit water use to 36 percent below their outdoor water budget.

The Coachella Valley Water District is one of four suppliers to have faced fines from the state for not meeting conservation quotas mandated by Gov. Jerry Brown. Back in October 2015, the Coachella Valley Water District's Jim Barrett told KPCC that new approaches to conserving water would be brought to a Nov. 10, 2015 meeting.

Ruark told KPCC on Friday that the November meeting is what led to raising penalty rates. Previous penalty rates ranged from $2.51 to $10.03 — but after that meeting ,penalties were raised to between $2.51 and $20 for water units used past customers' allowances, Ruark said. 

Programs to help customers save water have proved successful, according to the Coachella Valley Water District's press release. The release said that, in January, nearly 5,000 sprinkler nozzles were exchanged for more efficient devices, and 67 residential toilet rebates were issued.