They say April showers will bring May flowers, but Corcoran residents need to hope there are some April showers. Otherwise, local lawns and landscapes will only by watered once a week, definitely not conducive to growing flowers.
The city council Monday night reviewed a letter from the State Water Resources Control Board, a warning shot that the city had not attained its water conservation goal of 36 percent. The letter noted that the emergency conservation effort had been extended statewide from February of this year to October.
Corcoran has come closer than any city in the county to reaching the target. The city had managed an overall average of 30.8 percent savings of water from the start of the program in June of last year. Hanford and Lemoore ranked far lower, but have faced more severe requirements from the water resources control board.
In an effort to remain in compliance with the state’s mandate, the council adopted a resolution in November, 2015, changing residential watering to one day per week. El Nino rains and oncoming winter temperatures left residents little need for watering in the past several months. Nonetheless, the city got the board’s letter in February, requiring the City of Corcoran to evaluate its water conservation program to ensure it can reach the 36 percent savings target.
In looking for council direction, City Manager kindon Meik suggested the city hold to a one day per week watering schedule through June, He said he is also confident that increased water conservation enforcement will help. Currently, residents can water only on the weekends, during the day. He suggested the council address
the days and times watering can occur, adding that staff can then send out education information to local residents.
Staff is expected to return to the council with an amended water conservation resolution, setting for the new watering schedule. The city is expected to expand residential watering to two days per week beginning in July.
“We have the letter and we do need to formulate a plan,” said Councilman Jim Wadsworth. “We have to act to attempt to achieve further reductions.”
Should the city fail to meet the mandate, it could face fines of up to $500 per day.
