August 2022

When in Drought... Water Quality and Affordability are Still Important

Hot summer months are coming to an end, but the effects of the ongoing drought linger. While water districts around the state continue their efforts to plan for a future of extreme weather patterns, continuing to keep water rates affordable, without sacrificing water quality, is a challenge for many. Drought brings harder water, and our team of highly skilled and certified water operators work closely within the policies set by our Board of Directors to utilize our wells to save ratepayers money and minimize impacts that customers may notice due to harder water.

The District is performing feasibility studies on ways to reduce water hardness even during times of drought; however, these projects are expensive and will take time to implement. For tips on how to reduce impacts of harder water please visit our web page. By investing in improvements to our current system, we will create a future water supply that is more resilient. While we endure this drought, we must remain diligent in utilizing the resources that we have now as efficiently as we can.

It is also important to know how all residents can help maintain and protect the quality of our water. August is National Water Quality Month, and we continue to highlight ways we can all make an impact. Simple efforts such as avoiding the use of pesticides, keeping medications out of the drain, and utilizing non-toxic household cleaners all add up to coming together as a community to prevent long term water quality issues.

Purple Pipe – Investments in Recycled Water

Diablo Water District (District) and Ironhouse Sanitary District have been working together to evaluate the potential use of recycled water in our service area. A grant-funded feasibility study completed in 2021, evaluated recycled water options ranging from landscape irrigation to indirect potable reuse. While the District did not have an immediate project for recycled water at the time of the study, we are already laying the foundation for non-potable water reuse by planning to bring purple pipe to future developments on the East Cypress Corridor.

The District has also recently laid its first purple pipe in the ground at our new Corporation Yard site (3990 Main Street) to water the future landscape conservation garden (opening Summer 2023). This is an exciting moment as these plans for a diversified future water supply come to fruition.

Utilizing recycled water aligns with the District’s commitment to a sustainable water supply while keeping water costs affordable to our customers. Continued investments in our infrastructure and finding alternative water sources will ensure that the District can continue to meet customer’s water demands during these extended drought periods. Water saved today will help all of us in the future.  

• August 24th - Regular Board Meeting (Virtual Attendance)

• September 28th - Regular Board Meeting (In-Person or Virtual Attendance)