More water customers looking for ways to conserve

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Aug. 25, 2021) — As residents strive to reduce water use, the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) is seeing more customers inquiring about ways to save as well as reporting potential transgressors who are not doing their part.

“There’s been an uptick in calls from the public,” CCWD spokesperson Jennifer Allen said of residents calling about things like overwatering. That leads to more courtesy calls or door hangars to prompt changes in behavior.

Customers can file online reports about water waste at ccwater.com/FormCenter/Customer-Service-11/Contact-Form-65. If you see a water leak in the street or a broken fire hydrant, call 925-688-8374.

The district has also noted more customers interest in a device called the Flume. This device attaches to a home water meter. Through a Blue Tooth connection, customers can get real time information on activity from the meter.

Allen said the device can help detect leaks or a spike in water usage. More than 500 people have called to take advantage of it. Details about Flume are available at flumewater.com/partners/ccwater.

Also drawing attention in these drought-sensitive times is a program to convert a lawn into a garden as a water-saving measure. CCWD has had 21 applications already this year, which is more than for all of 2020.

“If customers are challenged about what they can do to reduce, we do water-wise house calls,” Allen said, adding that phone consultations are available if preferred. Visit ccwater.com/233/Water-Wise-House-Call for details.

CCWD offers a free online portal for customers to help track and manage water use. The user-friendly graphics show water consumption. Sign up at ccwater.com/807/My-Water-Report. A list of water efficiency rebate programs is also available through the website.

Related story: CCWD urges voluntary water conservation as drought worsens