Water Shortage Alert Issued In Agoura Hills

AGOURA HILLS, CA — The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District issued a Water Shortage Alert Tuesday in response to worsening drought conditions.

The LVMWD - which serves 75,000 residents in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village, and unincorporated parts of LA County - issued the alert as part of Stage 1 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

The alert “places a renewed focus on assisting, educating, and inspiring customers to use water wisely, day in and day out,” according to an agency news release. The agency will encourage efficient customers to continue their practices, and ask customers whose usage falls into the inefficient tier to minimize outdoor irrigation, and reach out to the LVMWD for water conservation best practices.

“A large number of our customers have already been using water efficiently,” LVMWD Board President Jay Lewitt said. “Our region is no stranger to meeting the moment when it comes to complying with emergency measures. We want anyone who may be struggling with reducing their water use to reach out and let us assist.”

LVMWD General Manager David Pedersen said that this a proactive measure should the situation deteriorate. “We are not experiencing water shortages this year due to the drought,” Pederson said. “However, conditions could change quickly next year if we have another dry winter. Now is the time to remind our customers that efficient water use is important for everyone to avoid the potential of future shortages.”

The announcement comes as 85% of California is experiencing “extreme to exceptional drought,” based on data from the U.S. Drought Monitor. In response, the California Department of Water Resources lowered its allocation of water supplied through the State Water Project from 10% to 5% of contractors’ requested amounts.

Gov. Newsom also declared a state of emergency on April 21 for portions of the state due to the second year of drought conditions. Newsom called on state agencies to take immediate action to mitigate the effects of drought conditions.

In times of record-breaking heat, Californians are being asked to conserve both power and water - no easy ask. Still, nonprofit organization Project Water has offered many simple tips on water conservation:

• Take showers over baths
• Shut off the tap when brushing your teeth
• Use the washing machine fully loaded, not half full
• Use a dishwasher, and if you don’t have one, don’t leave water running while you clean
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly
• Double check that the faucet is completely off when leaving the bathroom
• Use soap instead of shower gel