East County water supply adequate for summer months

As some utilities impose water rationing because of dry weather conditions, East County residents have been inquiring whether they should limit water use as well.

Earlier this week, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, the largest water utility in the East Bay, imposed mandatory water rationing for the first time in nearly 20 years. Two dry years in a row along with depleted reservoirs in the Sierras prompted the decision.

In Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley and Bay Point, there are adequate water supplies to meet customer demand for this summer, said Patty Friesen, public affairs director for the Contra Costa Water District.

Inquisitive residents have asked what's going on in their town. Brentwood officials said they've received a handful of calls. Julie Haas-Waljowitz, Antioch's environmental resource coordinator, said her office has received a few calls from residents about Antioch's water status. Many people are confused because of news reports that EBMUD covered Alameda and Contra Costa counties, she said.

While Pittsburg hasn't received many calls, Public Works Director John Fuller said his wife asked about the rationing Wednesday while he was watering the lawn.

"It's a big reminder for everyone. Water is a big deal in California; we're always kind of on the edge," he said.

Contra Costa Water District's water comes from the Delta and its watershed in Mount Shasta. Those sources have more storage capacity than those used

"There are a lot more agencies with straws in the bucket, but it's a larger water source," Fuller said. "Other agencies are more acutely directed by the dry weather."

Pittsburg, Antioch and Oakley also keep reserve water supplies. Pittsburg has two municipal wells, while Antioch has an intake station at the riverfront to provide water in a pinch. About a quarter of Oakley's backup water supply comes from groundwater, said Mike Yeraka, Diablo Water District general manager.

Oakley's water, along with pockets of Bethel Island and Knightsen, is supplied by Diablo Water District, which gets its water wholesale from Contra Costa Water District.

Brentwood is not envisioning any cutbacks or rationing right now, said Paul Eldredge, assistant director of public works.

"We're in pretty good shape," he said, noting Brentwood has claims to its water that predate state-allocated rights.

However, city and water district officials say that doesn't mean residents should be water hogs. "We're not immune to the dry conditions; every drop of water residents save this year will help," Friesen said.

"We're asking customers to use water wisely in light of continuing dry weather," Haas-Waljowitz said, adding that she is sending a letter to Antioch residents with tips for indoor and outdoor conservation. Brentwood and Pittsburg are in the process of sending a bulletin to residents.

Among the recommended water-saving actions are managing yard water schedules and automatic sprinklers, and buying efficient toilets and washing machines.

Paul Burgarino can be reached at 925-779-7164 or pburgarino@bayareanewsgroup.com.