California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently convened leaders from the state’s largest urban water suppliers and water associations imploring them to take more aggressive actions to combat drought and better engage their customers to ensure all Californians are doing their part to save water.
After the last drought, local water agencies pushed for greater flexibility on water conservation and drought response based on regional needs and water supplies, arguing that tailored local approaches would be more effective than statewide mandates. Newsom has embraced this localized approach, but voiced concerns given recent conservation levels around the state, and called on water agencies to step up efforts to reduce water use amid extreme drought conditions.
Newsom warned that if this localized approach to conservation does not result in a significant reduction in water use statewide this summer, the state could be forced to enact mandatory restrictions. The governor plans to reconvene the same agencies in the next two months to provide an update on their progress.
Water Main Break in Minnesota Floods 40 Homes
A 12-inch water main break in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, recently flooded around 40 homes, according to the Star Tribune.
“This was a very unfortunate incident and we were very appreciative of the understanding and patience of the affected homeowners,” Jay Hall, utilities superintendent, said in a statement according to the Star Tribune. “We were also very proud of city crews who responded quickly to shut off the water, talk with affected homeowners and repair the break by the end of the day.”
Vandals Shoot 'Johnny Cash' Water Tower in Arkansas, Springing Leak
Nearly 30,000 gpd of drinking water is leaking from a water tower that features Johnny Cash’s silhouette in Kingland, Arkansas, after vandals shot the tower with a firearm in Cash’s groin region to give the impression he’s urinating.
“Somebody shot our water tower, shot the silhouette of Johnny Cash in a very sensitive area,” mayor Luke Neal tells KLRT News. “It’s been leaking for the last – almost week.”
Images of the tower went viral and some out-of-towners have traveled to Kingsland just to see the spectacle.
Neal says the city plans to switch to a water line while the hole in the tank is repaired and that residents can expect to see discolored water and possible pressure changes.
