Despite conditions, Scotts Valley Water District not adding drought surcharges

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (KION) The Scotts Valley Water District said it will not be enacting drought surcharges, even though it said it has established Stage 2 Water Supply Conditions.

Under normal circumstances, the declaration would mean a drought surcharge and a need to reduce water demand by 15%, but the district said there has been reduced water demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the district's board chose not to put restrictions or demand reductions in place.

Since Santa Cruz County's Shelter in Place order took effect in March, the district said it has seen a noticeable decline in water demand. Residential use has been steady, but the district said commercial, industrial and institutional water use has declined by 40% and is expected to stay low.

“Although the dry rain year has an impact on groundwater levels, we have experienced an unexpected reduction in water demand due to the novel coronavirus,” District Manager Piret Harmon said. “We are pleased we can maintain the same level of high-quality, reliable water service to our customers without adding the stress of additional costs or restrictions during this unprecedented time.”

The agency said it has upgraded about 85% of water meters to help customers view, understand and manage their water use more easily.

The district still encourages customers to use water efficiently and limit outdoor irrigation to three days a week before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.