Manteca’s water use last month plummeted 20 percent over April 2022 levels based on per capita consumption.

With 90,000 residents, Manteca used 120.4 gallons per capita in April of this year. That compares to 151.8 gallons in April of last year.

While it rained in the first part of the month, the lower numbers reflect people for the most part refraining from watering outdoors when conditions have been mild.

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisor are scheduled today to consider a resolution declaring the end to the local drought emergency as well as continuing the local flooding emergency as the bulk of the spring snowmelt has yet to start.

Manteca is likewise to follow on the drought emergency declaration. That’s said, elected leaders have made it clear water conservation is here to stay given historic weather patterns point to the strong possibility the state could easily slip back into drought conditions.

The National Weather Service calls for up to 0.10 inches of rain to fall today in Manteca, Lathrop, and Ripon.

The current system also may drop another 8 inches on Sonora Pass (Highway 108) and Tioga Pass (Highway 108).

Up to a foot of snow may fall on Carson Pass (Highway 88) and Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4).

Manteca water rules

The stricter water rules that were adopted for Manteca residents and businesses 92 months ago and are still in effect are as follows:

*No irrigation is allowed during or within 48 hours following measurable rainfall as defined by storms that generate run-off or puddles.

*No watering is allowed on Monday, Thursday, and Friday or any day between noon and 6 p.m. Watering for even addresses is on Tuesday and Saturday while odd addresses can water on Wednesday and Sunday.

*No water will be allowed on any day at any time for washing off sidewalks, driveways, patios, parking lots or other exterior non-landscaped areas without a permit obtained from the Manteca Public Works Department office at the Civic Center.

*No water will be allowed to flow into a gutter or other drainage area for longer than 5 minutes. All water leaks or malfunctions in plumbing or irrigation systems must be fixed with 24 hours.

Penalties include a written notice on the first violation, a $100 fine with applicable fees on the second violation that may be waived by attending a water conservation workshop; a $200 fine and applicable fees on the third violation; and $500 fines for each and every subsequent violation plus applicable fees.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com