The rainy season may have begun, but Southern California’s water supply situation is still cloudy as pumping restrictions and long-term drought remain a challenge. PWP is optimistic, however, because your tremendous water conservation efforts are as clear as day.

Net water usage from July 1 through Sept. 30 was 12 percent less than this same period last year, 19 percent less than in 2007 and also less than any other summer since at least 1994.

Weather has been about average since July, so much of the reduced water usage can be attributed to PWP customers’ vigilant conservation. Thank you, Pasadena!

We can’t lose momentum now! If we can keep up this conservation trend through June 2010, Pasadena will avoid paying expensive high-use fees to our main supplier, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which is requiring a 10 percent reduction in water consumption over the next year.

PWP urges its customers to continue following mandatory water shortage procedures established by the city council and take extra measures wherever possible. You can review the ordinance online at www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater. Here are some key prohibitions regarding watering your lawns and gardens:

• Cooler weather is here so watering by automatic sprinkler systems is allowed only one day per week – Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday -- from Nov. 1 through March 31 (choose the one day that is most convenient to you).

• Do not water during periods of rain (check the weather!).

• Do not water between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., when heat evaporates much of the water.

You can also call the Water Shortage Hotline at 744-8888 to learn more about water shortage procedures or report water waste.