QUARTZ HILL — California Water Service (Cal Water) is urging its customers in Leona Valley to take emergency water conservation measures, after the California Aqueduct was damaged in last week’s storm. The aqueduct provides the majority of the water for the region through local wholesaler the Antelope Valley – East Kern Water Agency (AVEK).
The state Department of Water Resources is shutting down AVEK’s connection to the aqueduct on Oct. 21 to make emergency repairs. In turn, AVEK must shut down its connection to Cal Water’s Leona Valley system. The connection is expected to reopen in late November.
During the shutdown, Cal Water is asking its Leona Valley customers to eliminate all outdoor water use unless absolutely necessary for health and safety, and to reduce indoor use as much as possible. These emergency conservation measures are necessary to prevent interruptions in water service.
According to Local Manager Chris Whitley, Cal Water has been working in recent years to obtain additional groundwater sources in order to lessen Cal Water’s dependency on purchased surface water. During this emergency, Cal Water will be utilizing the groundwater wells constructed for this purpose and trucking water to meet customers’ needs. But Whitley warns that customers still need to be diligent in conserving to ensure there is enough water to provide for customers.
“Maintaining a reliable water supply is part of our company’s commitment to our customers. And when disaster strikes, we must all work together and limit our intake,” Whitley stated. “Our customers have already done a great job conserving over the last few months. We must ask that they take even more extreme measures until the aqueduct is repaired and our water supply source is back in service. If customers are unsure how they can reduce water indoors, contact us. We have programs and tools to help.”
Cal Water will continue to monitor the situation and continue to seek additional, long-term supplies for the area. Customers will be notified when they can resume normal water use.
Customers with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the Cal Water Customer Center at 800-680-1160, or visit www.calwater.com for updates and tips on how to conserve water.
Cal Water serves about 3,400 people through 1,400 service connections in the Antelope Valley. The company has provided water service in the area since 2000.
[Information via news release from California Water Service.]
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